The Ohio State Highway Patrol has welcomed 40 new troopers into the ranks after completing an intensive 28-week training program, as announced on the official OSHP website. The recent graduates of the Academy's 175th class received their diplomas. They took the Oath of Office administered by Judge David A. Trimmer of Fairfield County Court of Common Pleas in a ceremony attended by officials, including Colonel Charles A. Jones and Director Andy Wilson from the Ohio Department of Public Safety and the troopers were also addressed by the Ohio Department of Veterans Services Director Deborah Ashenhurst.
These newly minted law enforcement officers acquired skill sets critical to their duties, including expertise in crash investigation, detection of impaired drivers, and operation of emergency vehicles among other competencies, however, they won't hit the streets solo just yet. Every graduate is scheduled to report to their respective posts starting March 23, per the roster attached in the original announcement. Yet, they're slated to undergo a field training period of 70 working days where they will be paired up with a veteran officer, which will cement their preparedness for the solo patrols that lie ahead on Ohio’s roads.
Of the 40 graduates, several stood out and were honored for their exceptional performance in specific areas. Trooper Madison H. Myles of the Athens Post was not only the class speaker, expressing gratitude for support from the Academy and cadet family members. Trooper Ronald R. Morgan IV from the Granville Post was recognized for his outstanding performance and driving skills. Other awardees included Trooper Derek G. Basinger from the Lisbon Post for academics, Trooper Ethan L. Barrett from the same post for firearms, and Trooper Devin M. Bousquet from the Chillicothe Post for his physical fitness prowess.
The induction of this new class of troopers represents a bolstering of the state's patrol capacity across 28 of the Patrol’s 59 posts, marking a day of achievement and a promise of service to Ohioans. Additionally, individual assignments listed in the attachment to the original article formulate a map of fresh faces set to safeguard Ohio byways and highways. Photos of the graduates can also be requested through the Ohio State Highway Patrol communications email, offering a glimpse into the bright future of these men and women clad in blue and representing Ohio State Highway Patrol's dedication to safety and law enforcement.
