Thee Local Troopers in Ohio Highway Patrol’s Academy Class

The Ohio Highway Patrol’s 161st Academy Class graduated Friday after 23 weeks of intense training. 

Local graduates were assigned to the Wilmington District, and include: Brice L. Vickers of Chillicothe, assigned to the Lebanon Post; Tyler S. Ross of Springboro, assigned to the Hamilton Post; and, David L. Ellis of Lynchburg, assigned to the Georgetown Post.  Ellis also received special honors for top performance in driving.

Courses completed by the 161st class included, crash investigation, criminal and traffic law, detection of impaired drivers, firearms, physical fitness, self-defense and emergency vehicle operations. 

Each of the graduates will report to their posts on Monday, March 27. 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 24 of the Patrol’s 58 posts.  

The keynote address was provided by the Governor of Ohio, John Kasich. Additional remarks were provided by Director John Born, Ohio Department of Public Safety, Colonel Paul A. Pride, Patrol Superintendent and Captain Arthur J. Combest, Academy Commandant. The Oath of Office was issued by Judge Peter B. Abele, Fourth Appellate District, Ohio Court of Appeals.   

 Tpr. Joshua E. Jones of Tipp City, Ohio, was selected as class speaker and thanked the Academy and cadet family members for being supportive during their training.  Four of the graduates received special honors for top performance in various fields of study at the Training Academy.