COLUMBUS, OH – The Ohio State Highway Patrol celebrated the graduation of its 174th Academy Class today, marking the completion of 30 weeks of rigorous training for 40 new troopers. The graduation ceremony capped off an intense curriculum that included training in crash investigation, criminal and traffic law, impaired driver detection, firearms, physical fitness, self-defense, and emergency vehicle operations.

Trooper Samuel R. Hammon, assigned to the Defiance Post, served as the class speaker and expressed gratitude for the support of the Academy staff and the families of the cadets during their training journey. Hammon stood out as a top achiever, earning special honors for his outstanding performance across several categories, including overall performance, academics, and firearms. Trooper Colton R. Costin, assigned to the Wapakoneta Post, also received recognition for top performance in driving.

Beginning on November 10, the graduates will report to their assigned posts throughout Ohio. Their first 70 working days will involve a field-training period under the mentorship of veteran officers. The new troopers are spread across 19 of the Highway Patrol’s 59 posts, from Cleveland to Portsmouth.

Below is a list of the new troopers and their assignments:

  • Tylor M. Ackley, Cambridge – Columbus District, Mount Gilead Post
  • Guillermo S. Alicea, Lorain – Findlay District, Sandusky Post
  • Grant E. Baumle, Payne – Findlay District, Lima Post
  • Mariah L. Beadle, Hamden – Piqua District, Xenia Post
  • Zachary R. Bennett, Springfield – Piqua District, Springfield Post
  • Jacob L. Browne, Springfield – Piqua District, Marysville Post
  • Nathaniel H. Cain, Summerville, SC – Bucyrus District, Norwalk Post
  • Jarett A. Calleja, Farmdale – Warren District, Warren Post
  • Brock D. Cerneka, Youngstown – Warren District, Canfield Post
  • Peterson Chasma, Reynoldsburg – Columbus District, Granville Post
  • Gunnar M. Coffman, Upper Sandusky – Bucyrus District, Marion Post
  • Colton R. Costin, Bellefontaine – Piqua District, Wapakoneta Post
  • Jentry L.C. Crawford, Seaman – Wilmington District, Georgetown Post
  • Joel K. Cyrus, Portsmouth – Jackson District, Portsmouth Post
  • Nathanael T. Downer, Wyandot – Findlay District, Bowling Green Post
  • Todd R. Elliott, Gallipolis – Jackson District, Ironton Post
  • Nicholas C. Gainor, Alliance – Warren District, Canfield Post
  • Brandon K. Gibson, Canton – Warren District, Warren Post
  • Zachary J. Gray, McDonald – Warren District, Warren Post
  • Samuel R. Hammon, Bryan – Findlay District, Defiance Post
  • Jonathan W. Hort, Hinckley – Cleveland District, Cleveland Post
  • Bryce A. Hubbard, Shelby – Bucyrus District, Mansfield Post
  • Garrett R. Karns, Batavia – Wilmington District, Georgetown Post
  • James E. Kleemeyer, Fayetteville – Wilmington District, Lebanon Post
  • Ryan E. LaFollette, Woodsfield – Cambridge District, St. Clairsville Post
  • Austin T. Lamb, Bellefontaine – Piqua District, Wapakoneta Post
  • Jayvin K. Landers, Antwerp – Wilmington District, Georgetown Post
  • Dalton J. Mershon, Gallipolis – Cambridge District, Marietta Post
  • Savanna C. Miller, Valley City – Cleveland District, Ashland Post
  • Jonathan D. Millhoff, Dayton – Wilmington District, Lebanon Post
  • Bradley S. Reynolds, Sandusky – Bucyrus District, Fremont Post
  • Gregory G. Richards, Chillicothe – Wilmington District, Georgetown Post
  • Yousif A. Sabah, Rossford – Bucyrus District, Fremont Post
  • Dustin M. Sherrod, Vandalia – Piqua District, Springfield Post
  • Logan C. Skipper, LaGrange – Bucyrus District, Sandusky Post
  • Christopher S. Stepak, Avon Lake – Wilmington District, Lebanon Post
  • Jacob C. Sullivan, Pedro – Jackson District, Ironton Post
  • Bryce S. Sylvia, Huntsville – Piqua District, Wapakoneta Post
  • Anthony A. Waddle, Columbus – Columbus District, Columbus Post
  • Trevor R. Webster, Friendship – Jackson District, Portsmouth Post

The Ohio State Highway Patrol congratulates the 174th Academy Class for their hard work and dedication and looks forward to their contributions to Ohio’s public safety as they begin their careers in communities across the state.