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COLUMBUS –
The Ohio State Highway Patrol announced the recipients of their 2017 Leadership
Awards today. The ceremony recognizes dozens of state and district award
winners for their valuable contributions to our state and communities.
Ohio State Highway
Patrol Trooper of the Year – Trooper Brittany N. Noah
Trooper
Brittany N. Noah, of the Wilmington Post, earned top honors as the 2017 State
Trooper of the Year. She was selected from nine District Troopers of the Year
across the state. Trooper Noah exemplifies what it means to be a trooper and is
a leader among her peers.
Trooper
Noah has established herself as a resource to the Patrol and the community she serves.
She prides herself in professional service and treats everyone with respect.
Trooper Noah gives back to her community by serving as a softball coach and a
mentor for youth. She also serves as a 4-H adviser for the New Vienna Buckeyes and
has been a member for 10 years.
Trooper
Noah joined the Patrol in November 2012 as a member of the 154th Academy
Class. She earned her commission in April of the following year and
has been assigned to the Wilmington Post throughout her career. In 2017, she
was selected as Post and District Trooper of the Year. Trooper Noah is a
certified Drug Recognition Expert and serves as a field training officer.
Trooper
Noah earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice from Wilmington College
in 2011 and a Master of Arts degree in criminal justice from Wright State
University in 2012.
Ohio State Highway Patrol
Dispatcher of the Year – Dispatcher Tina M. Frey
Dispatcher Tina
M. Frey, of the Findlay Dispatch Center, earned statewide honors as the 2017
Dispatcher of the Year. She was selected from nine District Dispatchers of the
Year across the state. Her calm demeanor, positive attitude and commitment to service
distinguished her from the other nominees.
Communications
professionals are often the first point of contact for the public when need
arises. Dispatcher Frey strives to provide the highest level of service to the
public, her co-workers and the troopers on her shift. She garnered praise for
her teamwork and serves as a dispatcher training officer.
Dispatcher Frey
joined the Patrol in October 2004 and was assigned to the Marion Post. She also
served at the Bucyrus Dispatch Center.
Blue Max Award (Patrol’s top
auto larceny enforcer) – Sergeant Lawrence Roberts
Sergeant
Lawrence Roberts, of the Cleveland Post, earned the Blue Max Award for
recovering the most stolen vehicles of any trooper in 2017. Throughout the
year, he recovered 17 stolen vehicles, valued at $214,288, resulting in the
apprehension of 17 suspects.
Sergeant Roberts joined the Patrol
in February 1999 as a member of the 133rd Academy Class. He earned
his commission in July of that year and was assigned to the Sandusky Post.
As a trooper, he also served at the Chardon, Canton and Cleveland posts and the
Motorcycle Unit. He was selected as Post Trooper of the Year four times and
District Trooper of the Year in 2003. He has earned the Ace Award for
excellence in auto larceny enforcement five times. In 2013, he was promoted to
the rank of sergeant and transferred to the Wooster Post to serve as an
assistant post commander.
Sergeant Roberts served in the
United States Marines from 1989 to 1993.
State Criminal Patrol Award – Trooper Chad M. Schell
Trooper Chad M. Schell, of the
Cleveland District Criminal Patrol Unit, earned the State Criminal Patrol Award
for conducting the most felony case investigations that led to felony arrests.
In 2017, he initiated 72 felony case
investigations which resulted in 89 felony arrests. The majority of his cases were
drug or weapon related. Highlights of
his criminal seizures this year include, 423 pounds of marijuana, 11
pounds of cocaine, 8 pounds of heroin, 739 pills, 1 pound of methamphetamine
and eight firearms.
Trooper Schell joined the Patrol in September 2012 as
a member of the 153rd Academy Class. He earned his commission in
February of the following year and was assigned to the Cleveland Post. In 2014,
he was selected as Post Trooper of the Year and earned the Ace Award for
excellence in auto larceny enforcement. He
has also earned the Criminal Patrol Award four times.
Robert M. Chiaramonte Humanitarian Award – Trooper Logan M. Kirkendall
Trooper Logan M. Kirkendall, of
the Toledo Post, was honored with the
Robert M. Chiaramonte Humanitarian Award, which recognizes officers who are
dedicated to humanitarian causes on the highway and in their communities.
He and his wife created and distributed bags with
toiletries and other supplies to homeless persons. The bags included
toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, hats, gloves, socks and blankets. After
distributing nearly two dozen bags, they realized additional support was needed
to continue the program. Trooper Kirkendall sought support from the Lima First
Assembly of God and the Toledo Calvary Church to create additional bags.
Combined, the churches provided nearly 200 bags. He also garnered support from
fellow troopers and local police officers who help distribute the bags.
Trooper Kirkendall also participates in the “Young Men
of Excellence,” a program sponsored through his local church. The program embodies
the same quality characteristics he represents. Through the program, he and three
church members mentor a group of young men in the community, providing positive
influences in their lives.
Trooper Kirkendall joined
the Patrol in September 2012 as a member of the 153rd Academy Class.
He earned his commission in February of the following year and has been
assigned to the Toledo Post throughout his career. In 2014, he earned the Ace
Award for excellence in auto larceny enforcement. In 2016, he was selected as
Post Trooper of the Year and earned the Criminal Patrol Award.
Colonel Thomas W.
Rice Leadership Award – Sergeant Robert L. Burd
Sergeant Robert L. Burd, of the
Wilmington Post, was honored with the Colonel Thomas W. Rice Leadership Award,
which is presented to one sworn supervisory officer for outstanding leadership.
The award is sponsored by the Ohio State Highway Patrol Retirees’ Association
and is in honor of former Patrol Superintendent Thomas W. Rice.
Sergeant Burd is a respected
assistant post commander and leader among his peers. He has excelled in areas
of management by setting high standards and teaching those under his supervision.
Troopers look to him for guidance and he fosters a team-oriented environment.
Sergeant Burd leads by example, while keeping watch over his shift. He also
volunteers at Dayton Children’s Hospital and is a foster parent.
Sergeant Burd began his Patrol
career in January 1993 as a member of the 124th Academy Class. He
earned his commission in June of that year and was assigned to the Findlay
Post. As a trooper, he also served at the Lima Post. He was selected as Post
Trooper of the Year three times. In March 2011, he was promoted to the rank of
sergeant and transferred to the Lima Post to serve as an assistant post
commander. In 2013, he earned the Ace Award for excellence in auto larceny
enforcement. As a sergeant, he has served at the Bowling Green, Findlay,
Lebanon and Wilmington posts.
Motor Carrier
Enforcement Inspector of the Year – Motor Carrier Enforcement Inspector
Brian K. Wilson
Motor Carrier Enforcement Inspector Brian K. Wilson, of the Bucyrus District Commercial Enforcement
Unit, was selected as Motor Carrier Enforcement Inspector of the Year.
MCEI Wilson began his career
with the Patrol in February 2016 as a Motor Carrier Enforcement Inspector and
has been assigned to the Bucyrus District Commercial Enforcement Unit throughout
his career.
Electronic Technician Award – Electronic Technician 2 Christopher L.
Stroop
Electronic Technician 2
Christopher L. Stroop, of the Columbus District, was selected as Electronic
Technician of the Year. An Electronic Technician 2 supports the division by
testing, maintaining, aligning and programming many types of communications and
electronic equipment. Such equipment consists of two radios, radars,
lasers, BAC’s and computers.
Electronic Technician 2 Stroop
joined the Patrol in July 2013 and has been assigned to the Columbus District
Electronic Technician Unit throughout his career.
Ohio Trooper Recognition Award – Trooper Lonnie M. Butler
Trooper Lonnie M. Butler, Wilmington
District Criminal Patrol, earned the Ohio Trooper Recognition Award from nine
regional recipients across the state. The award recognizes excellence among
troopers who are assigned to specialty positions.
He joined the Patrol in March 2005 as a member of the 144th Academy
Class. He earned his commission in October of that year and was assigned to the
Lima Post. As a trooper, he also served at the Georgetown Post and the
Wilmington District Criminal Investigations.
Trooper Butler earned a Bachelor
of Arts degree in criminal justice from Thomas More College in 2001 and a
Master of Science degree in criminal justice from the University of Cincinnati
in 2003.
Employee
Recognition Award – Program Administrator Jessica L. Scalley
Program Administrator 2 Jessica
L. Scalley, Office of Personnel, received the award presented annually to
recognize excellence by a civilian employee.
Program Administrator Scalley began
her state career in June 2010 as a clerk 1 assigned to the Cambridge District
Headquarters. She also served as a Program Administrator 1 at the Patrol’s
Training Academy. In 2013, she transferred to the Office of Personnel. In
January 2018, she was promoted to Program Administrator 2 and remained in the
Office of Personnel.
Program Administrator Scalley
earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminology from The Ohio State University
in 2012.
Ohio Investigative
Unit State Agent of the Year – Joshua C. Bowers
Joshua C. Bowers, Cincinnati
District Office, was selected as State Agent of the Year out of six District
Agents of the Year across the state.
Agent Bowers joined the Ohio
Investigative Unit in December 2013 and has been assigned to the Cincinnati
District Office throughout his career.
Police Officer of
the Year – Police Officer 2 Joshua B. Davis
Police
Officer 2 Joshua B. Davis, Capitol Operations, was selected as Police Officer
of the Year. Officer Davis joined the Patrol in August 2011 and has been
assigned to Capitol Operations throughout this career.
Family Member Recognition Award – Jean Paris,
Cleveland District
Distinguished Retiree Award – Retired Sergeant Dale L.
LaRue, Cleveland District
Findlay District – Trooper William R. Clay,
Toledo Post; Dispatcher Tina M. Frey, Findlay Dispatch Center; Trooper Anne M.
Malone, Findlay Criminal Patrol; Robert E. Elling, Jr. (Maintenance Repair
Worker 2), Bowling Green Post.
Bucyrus District – Trooper Kayla L. Crager,
Marion Post; Dispatcher Heidi J. Maloy, Sandusky Dispatch Center; Trooper Shane
M. Morrow, Bucyrus Criminal Patrol; Brandy N. Rohrbacher (Administrative
Professional 1), Fremont Post.
Cleveland District – Trooper Carlos M.
Castellanos, Canton Post; Dispatcher Robin S. Case, Wooster Dispatch Center; Trooper
Dora E. Abshire, Cleveland District Investigations; Timothy D. Kardamis
(Maintenance Repair Worker 2), Cleveland District Headquarters.
Warren District – Trooper Matthew R. Abbey,
Warren Post; Dispatcher Tamara A. Scheetz, Canfield Dispatch Center; Trooper
Ricky T. Caraway, Warren Criminal Patrol; Charlene M. Grady (Administrative
Professional 1), Warren District Professional Staff.
Piqua District – Trooper John D. McLeod,
Springfield Post; Dispatcher Brandy L. Johnson, Dayton Dispatch Center; Trooper
Christopher A. Ward, Piqua Criminal Patrol; Jody A. Henault (Maintenance Repair
Worker 2), Marysville Post.
Columbus District – Trooper Patrick M. White,
Lancaster Post; Dispatcher Zachary L. Hungler, Delaware Dispatch Center; Trooper
Michael R. Wilson, Columbus Criminal Patrol; Brenda S. Cole (Administrative Professional 1), Granville
Post.
Cambridge District – Trooper Rocky J. Hise, St.
Clairsville Post; Dispatcher Melissa J. Rath, St. Clairsville Dispatch Center; Trooper
Shawn F. Milburn, Cambridge Criminal Patrol; Thomas A. Duvall (Maintenance
Repair Worker 2), St. Clairsville Post.
Wilmington District – Trooper Brittany N. Noah,
Wilmington Post; Dispatcher Jessica L. Shepherd, Wilmington Dispatch Center; Trooper Lonnie M. Butler,
Wilmington Criminal Patrol; Jennifer L. Young (Administrative Professional 1),
Wilmington Post.
Jackson District – Trooper Steven M. Dunn,
Jackson Post; Dispatcher Brandi D. Trelka, Jackson Dispatch Center; Trooper
Joshua C. Craft, Ironton Post; Carl R. McGlone (Maintenance Repair Worker 2),
Jackson Post.
GHQ – Dispatcher Erin N. Garloch,
Statehouse Dispatch Center; Trooper Milan V. Milosevic, Office of Field
Operations; Mark A. Wong (Public Safety
Intelligence Analyst), Intelligence Unit; Jessica L. Scalley (Program Administrator
2), Office of Personnel; Sherry L. Harkness (Administrative Professional 4),
Planning and Finance; Jacklyn D. Snyder (Administrative Professional 3), Office
of Criminal Investigations.
Ohio Investigative Unit – Toledo District: Agent Brian C. Sargent; Cleveland
District: Agent Kevin J. Cesaratto; Canton District: Agent Kenneth E. Van Horn;
Columbus District: Agent Kelly N. Murnane; Cincinnati District: Agent Joshua C.
Bowers; Athens District: Agent Wesley Arbaugh.
Auxiliary Awards
The following awards are for the Patrol’s Auxiliary
members who are an all-volunteer force that provides assistance to troopers.
William J. Duffy
Award of Excellence – Mark Rush
The William J. Duffy Award of
Excellence requires a minimum of 300 volunteer hours per year over three
consecutive years.
Auxiliary Major Mark Rush joined the Ohio State
Highway Patrol Auxiliary in September 2012 and was assigned to the Delaware
Post. He was promoted to auxiliary sergeant in 2014 and to auxiliary lieutenant
in 2015. In 2016, he was promoted to staff lieutenant and transferred to
General Headquarters. In January 2017, he was promoted to auxiliary captain and
promoted to auxiliary major of the Columbus District that following September.
Over the last three years, he has volunteered an
average of 915 hours per year which includes riding on patrol, assisting at the Ohio State Fair, The Ohio State
University football game details, sobriety checkpoints, Shield Details and
working at the Academy store.
Auxiliary Major Rush owns a recall consulting business
and volunteers for the American Red Cross.
State Auxiliary
Officer of the Year – Bryon M. Doty
Auxiliary
Colonel Bryon M. Doty joined the Patrol Auxiliary in 2011 and was assigned to
the Delaware Post. In 2013, he was promoted to the rank of auxiliary lieutenant
and remained at the Delaware Post. In 2014, he was promoted to the rank of
auxiliary major and transferred to General Headquarters. In 2015, he was
promoted to Auxiliary Colonel. He has been the recipient of both the Ulmer and
Duffy awards, as well as multiple district awards.
In 2017, Auxiliary Colonel Doty
volunteered 1,260 hours of his time in assistance with Patrol duties. This time
included riding on patrol, assisting at the Ohio State Fair, The Ohio State
University football game details, sobriety checkpoints, Shield Details and
working at the Academy store.
Auxiliary Colonel Doty owns his own
business installing security systems.
Note to Editors: Below are District honors for: District
Trooper of the Year, District Dispatcher of the Year, District Trooper
Recognition and District Employee Recognition. For photographs of award winners,
email wwwOHP@dps.ohio.gov with requests or
visit www.facebook.com/OhioStateHighwayPatrol/.
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