6-16-2024 10:27pm

Two Lebanon Post Troopers Among The Ohio State Patrol Academy Class Graduates

Beth Callahan Editor

LEBANON, OH --Two Lebanon Post Troopers were among The Ohio State Patrol Academy Class graduates on June 14, 2024 in Columbus. Julian Brown and Xavier Harris, along with 50 other Patrol Troopers from around the state, spent 28 weeks of intense training in classes such as: crash investigation, criminal and traffic law, detection of impaired drivers, firearms, physical fitness, self-defense and emergency vehicle operations.

Director Andy Wilson, Ohio Department of Public Safety, and Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent provided remarks. Chief Gary D. Lewis Jr., Bexley Police Department, delivered the commencement address to the 52 members of the Patrol’s 173rd Academy Class. The Honorable Judge David A. Trimmer, Fairfield County Court of Common Pleas, issued the Oath of Office.

Lancaster Post Trooper Allen M. Grace was selected as class speaker and thanked the Academy and cadet family members for being supportive during their training. Three graduates received special honors for top performance in various fields of study at the Training Academy. The honorees were:

Overall performance – Trooper Joshua S. Carr, Sandusky Post
Top performance in academics – Trooper Anthony C. Verardi, Steubenville Post
Top performance in driving – Trooper Nathan C. Sims, Gallipolis Post
Top performance in firearms – Trooper Joshua S. Carr, Sandusky Post
Top performance in physical fitness – Trooper Joshua S. Carr, Sandusky Post

Graduates began to report to their posts on Sunday, June 16. The graduates’ first 70 working days will be a field-training period under the guidance of a veteran trooper. The new graduates are assigned to 37 of the Patrol’s 59 posts.