The Ohio State Highway Patrol recently hosted a ceremonial recognition for Staff Lieutenant Maurice Waddell, who on February 15 was elevated to the rank of captain. The commendation event, where Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent, honored the newly promoted Captain Waddell, occurred at the Patrol's Training Academy. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol's news release, Captain Waddell is now the district commander at the Warren District Headquarters, after transferring from his last position at the Cambridge District Headquarters.
Waddell's distinguished career with the Patrol began over two decades ago in December 1998 as a cadet dispatcher across both the St. Clairsville and Cambridge posts. He commenced his formal training with the 136th Academy Class in September 2000, securing his commission the following March, and received his first assignment to the Athens Post. Throughout his service, he has been recognized multiple times for his excellence, including being named Post Trooper of the Year on three occasions and District Trooper of the Year once. Moreover, he's a five-time recipient of the Criminal Patrol Award and has been honored with the Ace Award for his prowess in auto larceny enforcement.
Ascending the ranks over the years, Waddell achieved the rank of sergeant in 2014, assuming the role of assistant post commander at the Cambridge Post. His leadership trajectory continued with a promotion to lieutenant in 2019, which led him to command at the St. Clairsville Post. He also returned to serve at the Cambridge Post in this capacity. Most recently, in 2023, he was promoted to staff lieutenant and took on the role of assistant district commander at the Cambridge District Headquarters before advancing to captain.
His academic credentials were bolstered in 2023 when Captain Waddell completed an Associate of Applied Science degree in criminal justice at Zane State University. He also participated in advanced leadership training the same year, acquiring a certificate from The Ohio State University’s John Glenn College of Public Affairs in the Public Safety Leadership Academy. According to the organization's statement, the Ohio State Highway Patrol remains committed to delivering unbiased professional public safety services and valuing inclusion, collaboration, and innovation within their ranks.
