The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s 153rd Academy Class graduated Friday, February 8, 2013 after 22 weeks of intense paramilitary training. The class included seven residents of Marion County and surrounding areas who will not only serve at the local post, but also at patrol posts around the state.
The local graduates included:
- Jeremy S. Bice of Marion will be assigned to the Marion Post
- Jay T. Cowell of Marion will be assigned to the Marion Post
- Derek J. Cummins of Cardington will be assigned to the Ashland Post
- Jade E. Fown of LaRue will be assigned to the Lima Post
- Barry J. Miller of Bucyrus will be assigned to the Bucyrus Post
- Cody A. Nevers of Marion will be assigned to the Norwalk Post
- Korey W. Robinson of Kenton will be assigned to the Norwalk Post
The keynote address was provided by John W. Magaw, former Director of the U.S. Secret Service and a 1959 graduate of the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy. Additional remarks were provided by Director Thomas P. Charles, Ohio Department of Public Safety; Colonel John Born, Patrol Superintendent and Captain Brigette Charles, Academy Commandant. The Oath of Office was issued by Judge Peter B. Abele, Fourth Appellate District, Ohio Court of Appeals.
Courses completed by the 153rd class included Core Values, crash investigation, criminal and traffic law, detection of impaired drivers, firearms, physical fitness, and self-defense. The cadets also received training in motor vehicle operations.
Tpr. Brian J. Cowles, Poland, Ohio was selected as class speaker and thanked the Academy and cadet family members for being supportive during their training.
Six of the graduates received special honors for top performance in various fields of study at the Patrol Academy. The honorees were:
Overall performance – Tpr. Brian J. Cowles, Poland, Ohio
Top performance in academics – Tpr. Jeremiah J. Smith, Botkins, Ohio
Top performance in driving – Tpr. Timothy J. Shafer, Defiance, Ohio
Top performance in firearms – Tpr. Brent E. Hill, Franklin, Ohio and Jacob C. Morrison, Grove City, Ohio
Top performance in physical fitness – Tpr. Joshua P. Smith, Tiffin, Ohio
Additionally, the following cadets were recognized for their leadership. The honorees were: Tpr. Bryan C. Cox, Oak Hill, Ohio; Tpr. Derek J. Cummins, Cardington, Ohio; and Tpr. Corey E. Ross, Wilmington, Ohio.
Each of the commissioned troopers reported to their posts on Saturday, February 9. The graduates’ first 60 working days will be a field-training period under the guidance of a veteran officer. The new graduates are assigned to 37 of the Patrol’s 57 posts.
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