44 cadets graduate Patrol academy, including several headed to Marion

The Patrol’s 158th Academy Class graduated Friday after 25 weeks of intense paramilitary training. Among those were residents of Caledonia and Marion. Several of the graduates have been assigned to serve at the Marion Post.

The keynote address was provided by Senator Joe Uecker, Ohio Senate District 14. Additional remarks were provided by Director John Born, Ohio Department of Public Safety, Colonel Paul A. Pride, Patrol Superintendent and Captain Shawn Lee, Academy Commandant. The Oath of Office was issued by Judge Peter B. Abele, Fourth Appellate District, Ohio Court of Appeals.

Courses completed by the 158th class included, crash investigation, criminal and traffic law, detection of impaired drivers, firearms, physical fitness, self-defense and emergency vehicle operations.

Tpr. Sheldon A. Goodrum of Columbus, Ohio, was selected as class speaker and thanked the Academy and cadet family members for being supportive during their training.

Five of the graduates received special honors for top performance in various fields of study at the Training Academy. The honorees were:

• Overall performance – Tpr. William G. Bogantz III, Johnstown, Ohio
• Top performance in academics – Tpr. Lindsay J. Barrett, Buckeye Lake, Ohio
• Top performance in driving – Tpr. Andrew M. Shellhouse, Tiffin, Ohio
• Top performance in firearms – Tpr. Adam B. Dickerson, Crooksville, Ohio
• Top performance in physical fitness – Tpr. Ashley R. Ross, Canal Fulton, Ohio

Two of those top performers are among those assigned to the Marion Post.

Each of the graduates will report to their posts on Monday, September 20, 2015. 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 23 of the Patrol’s 58 posts.

Those with Marion connections are listed in bold below.