Marion man joins over 60 as recent Highway Patrol Academy grads

The Patrol’s 160th Academy Class, including a man from Marion, graduated Friday after 26 weeks of intense paramilitary training. The keynote address was provided by Senator Larry Obhof, Ohio Senate District 22. 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.

Courses completed by the 160th class included, crash investigation, criminal and traffic law, detection of impaired drivers, firearms, physical fitness, self-defense, emergency vehicle operations, community/police relations, and de-escalation techniques.

Zachary Norris, of Marion, graduated and was assigned to the Findlay District’s Lima Post.

Tpr. Ryan N. Miller of Chillicothe, 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. The honorees were:

  • Overall performance – Tpr. Scott R. Traver, Carrollton, Ohio
  • Top performance in academics – Tpr. Ryan N. Miller, Chillicothe, Ohio
  • Top performance in driving – Tpr. Ryan N. Miller, Chillicothe, Ohio
  • Top performance in firearms – Tpr. Austin J. Skipper, Grafton, Ohio
  • Top performance in physical fitness – Tpr. Scott R. Traver, Carrollton, Ohio

Each of the graduates will report to their posts on Monday, October 3, 2016. 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 29 of the Patrol’s 58 posts.

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