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COLUMBUS – The Ohio State Highway Patrol announced the recipients of their 2020 Leadership Awards today in a virtual ceremony. 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 Tyler S. Ross
Trooper Tyler S. Ross, of the Hamilton Post, earned top honors as the 2020 State Trooper of the Year. He was selected from nine District Troopers of the Year across the state. Trooper Ross exemplifies what it means to be a trooper and is a leader among his peers.
Trooper Ross believes in the Patrol’s mission and is passionate about making a difference in the community. He continues to look for new ways to improve his overall knowledge and abilities. He leads by example and motivates his co-workers through his work ethic and positive attitude. Trooper Ross displays pride and dedication in all aspects of his job, and never hesitates to help out his coworkers and the public. He demonstrates a high level of expertise when it comes to certain aspects of the job, such as OVI enforcement, criminal patrol and general traffic enforcement. He is currently the leader in the Wilmington District in removing impaired drivers from the roadway. Trooper Ross is actively involved in his church and community outreach programs in and around Butler County.
Trooper Ross joined the Patrol in October 2016 as a member of the 161st Academy Class. He earned his commission in March of the following year and has been assigned to the Hamilton Post throughout his career. In 2019, he earned the Criminal Patrol Award. In 2020, he was selected as Post Trooper of the Year.
Trooper Ross earned an Associate of Arts degree in psychology from Sinclair Community College in 2014.
Ohio State Highway Patrol Dispatcher of the Year – Dispatcher Amanda H. Hermann
Dispatcher Amanda H. Hermann, of the Canton Dispatch Center, earned statewide honors as the 2020 Dispatcher of the Year. She was selected from 10 recipients 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 Hermann strives to provide the highest level of service to the public, her co-workers and the troopers on her shift. She has garnered praise for her teamwork.
Dispatcher Hermann goes above and beyond what is asked of her. She responds to the aid of others without being asked and is a self-motivated individual who takes pride in her work. Dispatcher Hermann’s calm demeanor and even temperament assist troopers on the road during the busiest times. Outside of the Patrol, Dispatcher Hermann enjoys volunteering with local organizations.
Dispatcher Hermann joined the Patrol in June 2014 assigned to the Warren District Headquarters. She was selected as Post Dispatcher of the Year three times and District Dispatcher of the Year in 2019. She earned the Gold Star Award in 2017. She also served at the Medina and Cleveland dispatch centers.
Blue Max Award (Patrol’s top auto larceny enforcer) – Trooper Anthony W. Hosey
Trooper Anthony W. Hosey, of the Cleveland Post, earned the Blue Max Award for recovering the most stolen vehicles of any trooper in 2020. Throughout the year, he recovered 34 stolen vehicles valued at $404,000, which resulted in the apprehension of 35 suspects.
Trooper Hosey joined the Patrol in September 2011 as a member of the 151st Academy Class. He earned his commission in February of the following year and was assigned to the Milan Post. In 2017, he was selected as Post Trooper of the Year. He earned the Ace Award for excellence in auto larceny enforcement three times and the Criminal Patrol Award twice.
Colonel Paul A. Pride State Criminal Patrol Award – Trooper Darrell M. Dowler
Trooper Darrell M. Dowler, of the Cleveland District Criminal Patrol K-9 Unit, earned the Colonel Paul A. Pride State Criminal Patrol Award for conducting the most felony case investigations with 83, which led to 108 felony arrests in 2020. The majority of his cases were drug related. Throughout 2020, his criminal seizures included 48 pounds of marijuana, 21 pounds of methamphetamine, 20 firearms, and $21,000 in cash.
Trooper Dowler joined the Patrol in September 2002 as a member of the 140th Academy Class. He earned his commission in February of the following year and was assigned to the Van Wert Post. He also served at the Ashland and Cleveland posts. In 2014, he earned the Ace Award for excellence in auto larceny enforcement. He was selected as Post Trooper of the Year three times and District Trooper of the Year twice. He earned the Criminal Patrol Award 10 times.
He served in the United States Army from 2000 to 2008.
Robert M. Chiaramonte Humanitarian Award – Sergeant Pablo Cruz
Sergeant Pablo Cruz, of the Elyria Post, was honored with the Robert M. Chiaramonte Humanitarian Award, which recognizes officers dedicated to humanitarian causes on the highway and in their communities.
Service above self are not just words for Sergeant Cruz. Wanting to make a positive impact on the community, he has been an active member of several organizations including Operation Open Heart, a program dedicated to helping children who are involved with Children Services. Sergeant Cruz is motivated by something greater than himself and he works tirelessly to not only be a good role model, but bring positive change to their lives.
Sergeant Cruz joined the Patrol in April 1998 as a member of the 131st Academy Class. He earned his commission in October of that year and was assigned to the Medina Post. In 2004, he was selected as Post and District Trooper of the Year. He earned the Criminal Patrol Award and the Ace award for excellence in auto larceny enforcement twice. As a trooper, he also served at the Elyria Post. In 2006, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant and transferred to the Ashland Post to serve as an assistant post commander. As a sergeant, he also served at the Medina and Cleveland posts.
Colonel Thomas W. Rice Leadership Award – Sergeant Jonathan A. Ganley
Sergeant Jonathan A. Ganley, of the Ravenna 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 Ganley leads by example and works alongside troopers on the midnight shift. He takes a unique approach when it comes to motivating the post troopers and has implemented several special operational programs to increase participation. Sergeant Ganley is willing to adjust his schedule when needed, and has taken the initiative to complete additional administrative responsibilities. He routinely works with troopers who have demonstrated an interest in the promotional process and shows them the administrative responsibilities of post-supervision. He is a diligent worker and leads from the front.
Sergeant Ganley began his Patrol career in December 2004 as a member of the 143rd Academy Class. He earned his commission in June of the following year and was assigned to Canfield Post. He was selected as Post Trooper of the Year twice and District Trooper of the Year in 2011. He also served at the Hiram and Ravenna posts. In 2017, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant and remained at the Ravenna Post to serve as an assistant post commander.
Motor Carrier Enforcement Inspector of the Year – Motor Carrier Enforcement Inspector Aaron R. White
Motor Carrier Enforcement Inspector Aaron R. White, of the Warren District Commercial Enforcement Unit, was selected as Motor Carrier Enforcement Inspector of the Year.
MCEI White joined the Patrol in August 2015 as a motor vehicle inspector assigned to the Warren District Commercial Enforcement Unit. In 2017, he was promoted to motor carrier enforcement inspector and remained in the Warren District Commercial Enforcement Unit.
Motor Vehicle Inspector of the Year – Motor Vehicle Inspector Rodney A. Parker
Motor Vehicle Inspector Rodney A. Parker, of the Jackson District Commercial Enforcement Unit, was selected as Motor Vehicle Inspector of the Year.
MVI Parker joined the Patrol in June 1996 as a maintenance repair worker 2 assigned to the Jackson District Headquarters. In 1997, he was promoted to Portable Load Limit Inspector assigned to the Jackson District Commercial Enforcement Unit. In 2012, he was promoted to Motor Vehicle Inspector and remained in the Jackson District Commercial Enforcement Unit.
Electronic Technician of the Year – Electronic Technician 2 Steven D. Miller
Electronic Technician 2 Steven D. Miller, Jackson District Electronic Technician Unit, 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 radios, radars, lasers, facility video security systems and all electronic related equipment within a facility or vehicle.
Electronic Technician 2 Miller joined the Patrol in April 2012 as an electronic technician 1 assigned to the Electronic Technician Unit in Finance & Logistics. In 2015, he was promoted to an electronic technician 2 and transferred to the Jackson District Electronic Technician Unit.
Ohio Trooper Recognition Award – Trooper Lewis R. Finsen
Trooper Lewis R. Finsen, of the Cleveland District Criminal Investigations Unit, earned the Ohio Trooper Recognition Award. He was selected from 10 recipients across the state. The award recognizes excellence among troopers who are assigned to specialty positions.
He joined the Patrol in June 1999 as a member of the 134th Academy Class. He earned his commission in December of that year and was assigned to the Ashland Post. He was selected as Post Trooper of the Year three times and District Trooper of the Year in 2005. As a trooper, he also served at the Hiram Post.
Trooper Finsen served in the United States Marines from 1989 to 1995.
Employee Recognition Award – Human Capital Management Senior Analyst Leanne Lanciotti
Human Capital Management Senior Analyst Leanne Lanciotti, of the Office of Personnel, received the Employee Recognition Award which is presented annually to recognize excellence by a professional employee.
She joined the Patrol in August 2014 as a Human Capital Management Senior Analyst and has been assigned to the Office of Personnel throughout her career.
Human Capital Management Senior Analyst Lanciotti earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Wittenberg University in 1993 and a Master of Education degree in human resource development from Xavier University in 1997.
Ohio Investigative Unit Agent of the Year – Enforcement Agent Gerald J. Ferguson
Enforcement Agent Gerald J. Ferguson, of the Athens District Office, was selected as State Agent of the Year out of six District Agents of the Year across the state.
Enforcement Agent Ferguson joined the Ohio Investigative Unit in February 2017 as an enforcement agent assigned to Athens District Office.
Police Officer of the Year – Police Officer 2 Dustin C. Lamon
Police Officer 2 Dustin C. Lamon, of Capitol Operations, was selected as Police Officer of the Year. Officer Lamon joined the Patrol in January 2016 and has been assigned to Capitol Operations throughout his career.
Family Member Recognition Award – Brittany Wheeler, Findlay District
Distinguished Retiree Award – Retired Dispatcher Barbara Mattes, Wilmington 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 Jacob E. Blossom, Toledo Post; Dispatcher Carly M. Michalski, Bowling Green Dispatch Center; Trooper Justin G. Craig, Findlay District Investigations; Angela R. Sisco (Administrative Professional 1), Defiance Post.
Bucyrus District – Trooper Michael D. Smith, Bucyrus Post; Dispatcher Heidi J. Maloy, Sandusky Dispatch Center; Trooper Shaun M. Robles, Bucyrus District Investigations; Lori I. Kaple (Administrative Professional 1), Marion Post.
Cleveland District – Trooper Mykol A. Gardiner, Cleveland Post; Dispatcher Amanda H. Hermann, Canton Dispatch Center; Trooper Lewis R. Finsen, Cleveland District Investigations; Samuel E. Walker (Maintenance Repair Worker 2), Wooster Post.
Warren District – Trooper Daniel L. Deluca, Canfield Post; Dispatcher Kristen M. Paolillo, Warren Dispatch Center; Trooper Christopher T. Jester, Warren District Headquarters; Joseph A. Truchan (Maintenance Repair Worker 2), Ashtabula Post.
Piqua District – Trooper Eric J. Devers, Piqua Post; Dispatcher Tina K. Creviston, Piqua Dispatch Center; Sergeant Joseph M. Weeks*, Piqua Post; Stacy L. Mullen (Administrative Professional 4), Piqua District Headquarters.
Columbus District – Trooper Ishmael S. Dabo, Columbus Post; Dispatcher Matthew A. Williams, West Jefferson Dispatch Center; Trooper Trevor A.T. Jasper, Columbus District Headquarters; Debra R. Sheldon (Administrative Professional 1), Delaware Post.
Cambridge District – Trooper Mitchell A. Reynolds, Marietta Post; Dispatcher Melissa J. Rath, St. Clairsville Dispatch Center; Trooper Chad A. Durben, Cambridge District Commercial Enforcement Unit; Lorie J. Wozniak (Administrative Professional 1), Steubenville Post.
Wilmington District – Trooper Tyler S. Ross, Hamilton Post; Dispatcher Darla M. Malone, Wilmington Dispatch Center; Trooper Christopher M. Krantz, Wilmington District Headquarters; Sarah Jo E. Tewksbury (Administrative Professional 1), Lebanon Post.
Jackson District – Trooper Ethan S. Branham, Ironton Post; Dispatcher Brittany J. Davies, Athens Dispatch Center; Trooper Drew W. Kuehne, Jackson District Criminal Patrol Unit; Susan S. Balzer (Administrative Professional 1), Jackson District Headquarters.
GHQ – Trooper Andrew J. Edinger, Aviation Unit; Dispatcher Erin N. Garloch, Statehouse; Samantha K. Shepherd (Administrative Professional 1), Licensing and Commercial Standards Unit; Leanne Lanciotti (Human Capital Management Senior Analyst), Staffing Services; Jerrod L. Stout (GIMS Specialist 2), Statistical Analysis Unit; Seth M. Dodson (Public Safety Intel Analyst), Intelligence Unit; Kristi L. Samples (Exercise Physiologist), Training Academy.
Ohio Investigative Unit: Agent Mario Makris, Akron District; Agent Gerald J. Ferguson, Athens District; Agent Thomas P. Eisnaugle, Cincinnati District; Agent Jeffrey W. Yarian, Cleveland District; Agent Tony M. Storey, Columbus District; Agent Anasia Greathouse, Toledo District.
Robert Chiaramonte Humanitarian Award recipients: Lieutenant Lance S. Shearer, Bucyrus District; Sergeant Pablo Cruz, Cleveland District; Trooper Jacob C. Morrison, Piqua District; Trooper Caleb E. Cox, Columbus District; Trooper Timothy R. Cunningham, Cambridge District; Sergeant Robert L. Burd, Wilmington District; Sergeant Glendon H. Ward, Jackson District.
District and GHQ Rice Leadership recipients: Sergeant Matthew N. Geer, Findlay District; Sergeant Jeffrey A. Kaess, Bucyrus District; Sergeant Andrew T. Topp, Cleveland District; Sergeant Jonathan A. Ganley, Warren District; Sergeant David G. Slanker, Piqua District; Sergeant Jason L. Snodgrass, Columbus District; Sergeant Shawn W. Allar, Cambridge District; Sergeant Joshua L. Patrick, Wilmington District; Sergeant Christopher B. Goss, Jackson District; Sergeant J. Trevor March, General Headquarters.
District and GHQ Electronic Technician of the Year recipients: ET2 Thomas E. Fowler, Findlay District; ET3 Frederick R. Lust, Bucyrus District; ET2 Kyle B. Haning, Cleveland District; ET2 Terry E. Maffitt, Warren District; ET2 Brian W. Oldham, Piqua District; ET2 Chad M. Morrison, Columbus District; ET2 James K. Howell, Cambridge District; ET2 Brian E. Shepherd, Wilmington District; ET2 Steven D. Miller, Jackson District; ET1 Christopher J. Coffman, General Headquarters.
District Motor Carrier Enforcement Inspector of the Year recipients: Trooper Steven D. Huck, Findlay District; MCEI Robert K. Richards, Bucyrus District; MCEI Douglas A. Bell, Cleveland District; MCEI Aaron R. White, Warren District; MCEI John T. Rammel, Piqua District; Trooper Brian P. Alloy, Columbus District; Trooper Chad A. Durben, Cambridge District.
District Motor Vehicle Inspector of the Year recipients: MVI Lisa M. Schroeder, Findlay District; MVI Ryan J. Swank, Bucyrus District; MVI Peter M. Carey, Cleveland District; MVI Mark W. King, Warren District; MVI Chris C. Lewis, Piqua District; MVI Leo T. Grabovich, Columbus District; MVI Douglas A. Shanks, Cambridge District; MVI Elvin Cordero, Wilmington District; MVI Rodney A. Parker, Jackson District.
District Patrol Family Recognition recipients: Brittany Wheeler, Findlay District; Amber Bishop, Cleveland District; Rikki Belcher, Warren District; Stephanie Kelly, Piqua District; Ashley Riley, Columbus District; Stephanie Buxton, Cambridge District; Marsha Ward, Jackson District.
District Distinguished Retiree recipients: Retired Sergeant James Bryan, Bucyrus District; Retired Major J. P. Allen, Cleveland District; Retired Lieutenant Colonel William Costas, Warren District; Retired Sergeant Charles Wright, Piqua District; Retired Staff Lieutenant Robert Warner, Columbus District; Retired Sergeant Terry Requardt, Cambridge District; Retired Dispatcher Barbara Mattes, Wilmington District; Retired Trooper Hal Hardiesty, Jackson District.
*Denotes promotion to sergeant January 2021.
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 – Auxiliary Sergeant Joshua J. Jordan
The William J. Duffy Award of Excellence requires a minimum of 300 volunteer hours per year over three consecutive years.
Auxiliary Sergeant Joshua Jordan joined the Ohio State Highway Patrol Auxiliary in February 2018 and has been assigned to the Circleville Post throughout his career. In 2019, he was promoted to sergeant and remained at the Circleville Post.
Sergeant Jordan volunteered 2,801 hours during the last three years riding on patrol, assisting with food distribution and emergency callout duties.
State Auxiliary Officer of the Year – Auxiliary Lieutenant Mary J. McPherson
Auxiliary Lieutenant Mary McPherson joined the Ohio State Highway Patrol Auxiliary in May 2003 and has been assigned to the Jackson and Columbus districts throughout her career. She was promoted to sergeant in 2006 and lieutenant in 2009.
In 2020, Auxiliary Lieutenant McPherson volunteered 900 hours of her time in assisting with Patrol duties. This time included riding on patrol, working emergency callout duties, food distribution and assisting at the Ohio Statehouse.
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