COLUMBUS – Today, the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s 178th Academy Class graduated from the Ohio State Highway Patrol Training Academy after 28 weeks of intense training. Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent, provided remarks during the graduation ceremony. Director Andy Wilson, Ohio Department of Public Safety, delivered the commencement address to the 43 members of the Patrol’s 178th Academy Class. Judge David A. Trimmer, Fairfield County Court of Common Pleas, issued the Oath of Office.
Courses completed by the 178th class include crash investigation, criminal and traffic law, detection of impaired drivers, firearms, physical fitness, self-defense and emergency vehicle operations.
Trooper Logan A. Grooms was selected as class speaker and thanked the Academy and family members for being supportive during their training.
Five graduates received special honors for top performance in various fields of study at the Training Academy. The honorees were:
- Overall performance – Trooper Kelis J. Secrest
- Top performance in academics – Meredith H. Arnett
- Top performance in driving – Trooper Tyranda A. Franklin Jr.
- Top performance in firearms – Trooper James Light
- Top performance in physical fitness – Kelis J. Secrest
Graduates will report to their assigned posts beginning Sunday, April 5. The graduates’ first 70 working days will be a field-training period under the guidance of a veteran officer.