(Columbus) -- The Patrol’s 168th Academy Class graduated today after 30 weeks of intense training. That includes Dalton L. Chaffin of Chillicothe, who has been assigned to the Piqua District, Springfield Post.
Director Thomas J. Stickrath, Ohio Department of Public Safety; and Colonel Richard S. Fambro, Patrol Superintendent provided remarks. Judge David M. Gormley, Delaware County Court of Common Pleas, issued the Oath of Office.
Courses completed by the 168th class included crash investigation, criminal and traffic law, detection of impaired drivers, firearms, physical fitness, self-defense, and emergency vehicle operations.
Trooper Harry G. Baumgartner IV, Springfield Post, 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 Shane D. Spieth, Fremont Post
- Top performance in academics - Trooper Christian M. Reed, Marion Post
- Top performance in driving - Trooper Thomas O. Casimir, Granville Post
- Top performance in firearms - Trooper Lewis P. Marino, Medina Post
- Top performance in physical fitness - Trooper Xiaoxiang Ji, West Jefferson Post
Each of the graduates will report to their posts on Sunday, January 23, 2022. The graduates’ first 70 working days will be a field-training period under the guidance of a veteran officer. The new graduates are assigned to 24 of the Patrol’s 59 posts.