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COLUMBUS – The Ohio State Highway Patrol announced the recipients of their 2019 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 Eric D. Holbrook
Trooper Eric D. Holbrook, of the Circleville Post, earned top honors as the 2019 State Trooper of the Year. He was selected from nine District Troopers of the Year across the state. Trooper Holbrook exemplifies what it means to be a trooper and is a leader among his peers.
Trooper Holbrook has established himself as a resource to the Patrol and the community he serves. His strong character, teamwork and leadership are on display during his daily operations. He is always willing to help anyone, no matter the need. Trooper Holbrook is focused on removing impaired drivers from Ohio’s roadways. He is a leader in safety belt enforcement, case investigation and enforcement. Trooper Holbrook is actively involved with his church as a third grade teacher in the Sunday school program. He also volunteers by overseeing small group organizations in his church and his community.
Trooper Holbrook 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 Jackson Post. In 2018, he earned the Ace Award for excellence in auto larceny enforcement. He was selected as Post Trooper of Year twice and District Trooper of the Year in 2019. He earned the Criminal Patrol Award twice. As a trooper, he also served at the Chillicothe Post.
Trooper Holbrook earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Shawnee State University in 2011.
Ohio State Highway Patrol Dispatcher of the Year – Dispatcher Mitchell P. Saunders
Dispatcher Mitchell P. Saunders, of the Jackson Dispatch Center, earned statewide honors as the 2019 Dispatcher of the Year. He was selected from nine District Dispatchers of the Year across the state. His calm demeanor, positive attitude and commitment to service distinguished him from the other nominees.
Communications professionals are often the first point of contact for the public when need arises. Dispatcher Saunders strives to provide the highest level of service to the public, his co-workers and the troopers on his shift. He has garnered praise for his teamwork.
Dispatcher Saunders joined the Patrol in March 2011 assigned to the Wilmington Dispatch Center. He was selected as Post Dispatcher of the Year three times and District Dispatcher of the Year in 2019. As a dispatcher, he was also assigned to the Athens Post and Jackson District Headquarters.
Blue Max Award (Patrol’s top auto larceny enforcer) – Trooper Tyler L. Boetcher
Trooper Tyler L. Boetcher, of the Chillicothe Post, earned the Blue Max Award for recovering the most stolen vehicles of any trooper in 2019. Throughout the year, he recovered 13 stolen vehicles valued at $212,000, which resulted in the apprehension of 12 suspects.
Trooper Boetcher joined the Patrol in September 2015 as a member of the 159th Academy Class. He earned his commission in March of the following year and was assigned to the Lebanon Post. In 2017, he earned the Criminal Patrol Award. He has also earned the Ace Award for excellence in auto larceny enforcement three times.
Colonel Paul A. Pride State Criminal Patrol Award – Trooper Matthew D. Boyer
Trooper Matthew D. Boyer, of the Warren District Criminal Patrol K-9 Unit, earned the Colonel Paul A. Pride State Criminal Patrol Award for conducting the most felony case investigations with 118, which led to 140 felony arrests in 2019. The majority of his cases were drug related. Throughout 2019, his criminal seizures included 48 pounds of marijuana, 21 pounds of methamphetamine, 20 firearms, and $21,000 in cash.
Trooper Boyer joined the Patrol in March 2015 as a member of the 158th Academy Class. He earned his commission in September of that year and was assigned to the Lisbon Post. He earned the Ace Award for excellence in auto larceny enforcement twice and the Criminal Patrol Award four times. As a trooper, he also served at the Canfield, Canton and Akron posts.
Trooper Boyer earned an Associate degree in criminal justice from the University of Akron in 2014.
Robert M. Chiaramonte Humanitarian Award – Trooper J-Vonne D. Humphreys
Trooper J-Vonne D. Humphreys, of the Canton Post, was honored with the Robert M. Chiaramonte Humanitarian Award, which recognizes officers dedicated to humanitarian causes on the highway and in their communities.
Trooper Humphreys created the A.L.P.H.A program, which stands for Accomplishing, Leadership Principles, Honoring, Achievement, with the Cuyahoga Hills Juvenile Correctional Facility which houses boy juvenile offenders. The program is centered on four aspects of depth; emotional, mental, physical and spiritual and is a series of weekly conversations led by Trooper Humphreys to get participants to think critically as well as understand various transitions throughout life.
On his own time, Trooper Humphreys visits the facility and teaches the juvenile offenders using relatable examples of manhood, statistics and truth from reliable sources in the curriculum. He also uses visual aids to help illustrate his points and contemporary inputs to keep the experience relevant for the offenders. Empowering titles or monikers are utilized during the program to help lead the offenders toward greater self-respect and inner strength. He coaches the offenders in communication skills and styles, ultimately seeking to grow troubled boys into men of honor.
Trooper Humphreys joined the Patrol in April 2017 as a member of the 162nd Academy Class. He earned his commission in September of that year and was assigned to the Canton Post. As a trooper, he also served at the Cleveland Post.
Colonel Thomas W. Rice Leadership Award – Sergeant Kyle L. Mackie
Sergeant Kyle L. Mackie, of the Lancaster 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 Mackie’s leadership and enthusiasm was immediately apparent from his first day as a sergeant at the Lancaster Post, and continues to be instrumental to the growth and success of the post. He is eager to accept additional responsibilities and has developed a reputation for doing what is right both on and off duty. He continues to develop his troopers and challenges them to reach their potential and get the most out of their careers. Sergeant Mackie is active in his church as a member of the safety and security team. He participates in several annual community events including the annual backpack giveaway, which provides free backpacks with school supplies for children in kindergarten through 12th grade.
Sergeant Mackie began his Patrol career in June 2005 as a member of the 145th Academy Class. He earned his commission in January of the following year and was assigned to Capitol Operations. In 2010, he earned the Criminal Patrol Award and was selected as Post Trooper of the Year in 2013. As a trooper, he also served at the Circleville Post. In 2014, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant and transferred to the West Jefferson Post to serve as an assistant post commander.
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science from Ohio Dominican University in 2001.
Motor Carrier Enforcement Inspector of the Year – Motor Carrier Enforcement Inspector Jason L. Whorton
Motor Carrier Enforcement Inspector Jason L. Whorton, of the Piqua District Commercial Enforcement Unit, was selected as Motor Carrier Enforcement Inspector of the Year.
MCEI Whorton began his state career with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction in October 2010 as a correction officer at the London Correctional Institution. He joined the Patrol in January 2016 as a motor carrier enforcement inspector and has been assigned to the Piqua District Commercial Enforcement Unit throughout his career.
Electronic Technician of the Year – Electronic Technician 3 Joshua J. Goins
Electronic Technician 3 Joshua J. Goins, Jackson District Electronic Technician Unit, was selected as Electronic Technician of the Year. An Electronic Technician 3 supports the Division by testing, maintaining, aligning and programming many types of communications and electronic equipment. Such equipment consists of radios, radars, lasers, facility video security systems and all electronic related equipment within a facility or vehicle.
Electronic Technician 3 Goins joined the Patrol in July 2007 as a Clerk 1 assigned to the Wilmington District Driver Exam Station. In 2011, he served as a Stationary Load Limit Inspector with the Wilmington District Commercial Enforcement Unit. In 2012, he was promoted to an Electronic Technician 1 and transferred to the Electronic Technicians Unit. In 2015, he was promoted to an Electronic Technician 2 and transferred to the Jackson District Electronic Technician Unit. In 2017, he was promoted to an Electronic Technician 3 and remained at the Jackson District Electronic Technician Unit.
He served in the United States Navy from 2002 to 2006. He earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in electronics from Southern State Community College in 2008.
Ohio Trooper Recognition Award – Trooper David A. Norman
Trooper David A. Norman, of the Cleveland District Criminal Patrol Unit, earned the Ohio Trooper Recognition Award. He was selected from nine district recipients across the state. The award recognizes excellence among troopers who are assigned to specialty positions.
He joined the Patrol in February 1994 as a member of the 126th Academy Class. He earned his commission in July of that year and was assigned to the Mansfield Post. In 1999, he was selected as Post and District Trooper of the Year. In 2009, he earned the Trooper Recognition Award. He earned the Ace Award for excellence in auto larceny enforcement three times. He also earned the Criminal Patrol Award four times. As a trooper, he also served at the Wooster and Ashland posts, and the Bucyrus and Warren district criminal patrol units.
Trooper Norman earned an Associate of Arts degree in education from the University of Akron in 1993.
Employee Recognition Award – Administrative Professional 1 Michelle A. Hall
Administrative Professional 1 Michelle A. Hall, of the Milan Post, received the award presented annually to recognize excellence by a professional employee.
She joined the Patrol in October 2005 as a secretary and was assigned to the Norwalk Post. She served in the United States Marine Corps from 1998 to 2002.
Ohio Investigative Unit Agent of the Year – Enforcement Agent Thomas A. Dalton
Thomas A. Dalton, of the Cincinnati District Office, was selected as State Agent of the Year out of six District Agents of the Year across the state.
Agent Dalton joined the Ohio Investigative Unit in July 2010 and has been assigned to the Cincinnati District Office throughout his career. He enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in 2011 and currently serves in the Air Force Reserve.
Police Officer of the Year – Police Officer 2 Matthew L. Roaden
Police Officer 2 Matthew L. Roaden, of Capitol Operations, was selected as Police Officer of the Year. Officer Roaden joined the Patrol in February 2008 and was assigned to the Shipley Building. In 2009, he was promoted to a Police Officer 2 and transferred to the Expo Center.
Family Member Recognition Award – Cheryl L. Robison, Piqua District
Distinguished Retiree Award – Retired Staff Lieutenant Morris L. Hill Jr., Bucyrus District
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 oshp@dps.ohio.gov with requests or visit www.facebook.com/OhioStateHighwayPatrol/.
Findlay District – Trooper Chad A. Recker, Lima Post; Dispatcher Patrick P. Bowsher, Van Wert Dispatch Center; Trooper Gerald L. Gibson, Findlay District Investigations; Robert E. Elling (Maintenance Repair Worker 2), Bowling Green Post.
Bucyrus District – Trooper Craig B. Overly, Marion Post; Dispatcher Carrie L. Wolford, Mansfield Dispatch Center; Trooper Colt W. Browne, Bucyrus District Criminal Patrol Unit; Michelle A. Hall (Administrative Professional 1), Milan Post.
Cleveland District – Trooper Alejandro Giraldo, Cleveland Post; Dispatcher Amanda H. Hermann, Canton Dispatch Center; Trooper David A. Norman, Cleveland District Criminal Patrol Unit; Ann Gambert (Administrative Professional 1), Cleveland Post.
Warren District – Trooper Brandon M. Miller, Ashtabula Post; Dispatcher Kayla A. DeWitt, Ravenna Dispatch Center; Trooper Michael D. Royko, Warren District Investigations; Margaret M. Sharp (Administrative Professional 1), Ashtabula Post.
Piqua District – Trooper Spencer D. Groves, Marysville Post; Dispatcher Douglas W. Webb, Springfield Dispatch Center; Trooper Russell Davis, Piqua District Investigations; Randy L. Ingle (Maintenance Repair Worker 2), Piqua District Headquarters.
Columbus District – Trooper Eric D. Holbrook, Circleville Post; Dispatcher Tammy L. Newport, West Jefferson Dispatch Center; Teresa J. Elswick (Administrative Professional 1), Circleville Post.
Cambridge District – Sergeant Dustin Payne*, Marietta Post; Dispatcher William L. Courtright, New Philadelphia Dispatch Center; Trooper Bruce A. MacLaine, Cambridge District Investigations; Jill B. Lee (Administrative Professional 1), Cambridge Post.
Wilmington District – Trooper Tyler S. Ross, Hamilton Post; Dispatcher Angela K. Johnson, Lebanon Dispatch Center; Trooper Daniel R. Brown, Wilmington District Investigations; Ricky D. McCloud (Maintenance Repair Worker 2), Lebanon Post.
Jackson District – Trooper Ryan N. Miller, Chillicothe Post; Dispatcher Mitchell P. Saunders, Jackson Dispatch Center; Trooper Matthew T. Atwood, Jackson District Criminal Patrol Unit; Carl R. McGlone (Maintenance Repair Worker 2), Jackson Post.
GHQ – Dispatcher Megan R. Howard, Columbus Communications Center; Trooper Mason P. Boyce, Office of Special Operations; Linda J. Carson (Program Administrator 2), Staffing Services; Michelle R. Thrash (Administrative Professional 2), Accreditation and Records; Lea M. Kovacsiss (Social Sciences Research Specialist), Recruitment and Diversity; Seth M. Dodson (Public Safety Intel Analyst), Intelligence Unit; Matthew L. Roaden (Police Officer 2), Capitol Operations.
Ohio Investigative Unit – Agent Joe C. Chamberlain, Akron District; Agent Robert M. Marhoover, Athens District; Agent Thomas A. Dalton, Cincinnati District; Agent Kevin J. Cesaratto, Cleveland District; Agent Patrick L. O’Dowd, Columbus District; Agent Stephanie N. Bowman, Toledo District.
*Denotes promotion to sergeant January 2020
Auxiliary Awards
The following awards are for the Patrol’s Auxiliary members, an all-volunteer force which provides assistance to troopers.
William J. Duffy Award of Excellence – Eric W. Dill
The William J. Duffy Award of Excellence requires a minimum of 300 volunteer hours per year over three consecutive years.
Auxiliary Lieutenant Eric W. Dill joined the Ohio State Highway Patrol Auxiliary in September 2012 and has been assigned to the Circleville Post throughout his career. He was promoted in 2015 to sergeant and lieutenant in 2017.
He volunteered 1,658 hours during the last three years riding on patrol, assisting at the Ohio State Fair, The Ohio State University football game details, sobriety checkpoints, and traffic details.
State Auxiliary Officer of the Year – Joshua J. Jordan
Auxiliary Sergeant Joshua J. Jordan joined the Ohio State Highway Patrol Auxiliary in February 2018 and has been assigned to the Circleville Post throughout his career. He was promoted to sergeant in 2019.
In 2019, Auxiliary Sergeant Jordan volunteered 986 hours of his time in assisting with Patrol duties. This time included riding on patrol, assisting at the Ohio State Fair, The Ohio State University football game details, sobriety checkpoints, traffic details, and recruitment.
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