Patrol Announces 2013 Leadership Awards

OHIO – The Ohio State Highway Patrol announced the winners of their 2013 Leadership Awards today. Top honors include:

§ State Trooper of the Year – Tpr. Christian J. Niemeyer, Columbus Metro Post
§ Dispatcher of the Year – Disp. Lori D. Stine, New Philadelphia Dispatch Center
§ Blue Max Award (top auto larceny enforcer) – Tpr. Jason L. Hodge, Springfield Post
§ Robert M. Chiaramonte Humanitarian Award – Lt. Joseph A. Gebhart, Piqua Post
§ Motor Carrier Enforcement Inspector of the Year – Albert J. Allen, Bucyrus District
§ Agent of the Year – Agent Joseph C. Chamberlain, Canton District Office

Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper of the Year –Tpr. Christian J. Niemeyer, of the Columbus Metro Post, was selected from eight District Troopers of the Year.During 2013, Tpr. Niemeyer removed 186 impaired drivers from the roadways and investigated 35 felony cases, arresting 36 suspects. He recently attended Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) training to further his abilities in OVI enforcement. He was awarded the MADD award for his superior achievement in OVI arrests and was recognized by WSYX ABC Channel 6 in Columbus as a hero in the law enforcement community.

Tpr. Niemeyer joined the Patrol in November 2006 as a member of the 147th Academy Class. He earned his commission in June of the following year and was assigned to the Wilmington Post. In 2011, he transferred to the Granville Post, before transferring to his most recent assignment at the Columbus Metro Post in 2012.

Ohio State Highway Patrol Dispatcher of the Year – Dispatcher Lori D. Stine, of the New Philadelphia Dispatch Center was selected from eight District Dispatchers of the Year. She joined the Patrol in March 2001 as a dispatcher assigned to the Steubenville Post. Later that year, she transferred to the St. Clairsville Dispatch Center. In 2011, she transferred to her most recent assignment at the New Philadelphia Dispatch Center.

Stine earned an Associate of Science degree in medical science from Fairmont State College in 2001.

Blue Max Award (Patrol’s top auto larceny enforcer) – Tpr. Jason L. Hodge, of the Springfield Post, was honored with the Blue Max Award for recovering the most stolen vehicles. In 2013, he recovered 22 stolen vehicles, valued at $153,400, resulting in the apprehension of 22 suspects.

Tpr. Hodge began his Patrol career in May 1995 as a member of the 127th Academy class. He earned his commission in November of that year and was assigned to the Springfield Post. Tpr. Hodge was selected as Post Trooper of Year in 2002, 2003 and 2007; earned the Criminal Patrol Award in 2005 and 2006; the Ace Award for excellence in auto larceny enforcement and the Blue Max Award in 2007.

Robert M. Chiaramonte Humanitarian Award – Lt. Joseph A. Gebhart, of the Piqua Post, was honored with the Robert M. Chiaramonte Humanitarian Award, which recognizes officers who are dedicated to humanitarian causes, both on the highway and in their communities. Assistance to motorists, letters of commendation and community involvement are all factors in determining the recipient. Lt. Gebhart has attended numerous education affairs throughout his community to educate the motoring public on traffic safety through education. Lt. Gebhart completed traffic safety classes tailored individually to the target audience for Miami Valley and Darke County Car Teens, and the Miami County Adult Traffic Safety Program. In addition, Lt. Gebhart has been very committed to the development of one the Patrol’s cadet interns. He understands the level of commitment and responsibility needed to mentor young impressionable individuals. Lt. Gebhart has done an outstanding job developing additional tests and programs for the cadet’s by providing them with the best training in preparation for the Patrol’s Academy.

Lt. Gebhart began his Patrol career in May 1989 as a cadet dispatcher assigned to the Van Wert Post. He began his training as a member of the 119th Academy Class in January 1990. He earned his commission in June of that year and was assigned to the Piqua Post. As a trooper, he also served at the Dayton and former Eaton Posts. In 1999, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant and transferred to the St. Clairsville Post to serve as an assistant post commander. As a sergeant, he also served at the Eaton, Dayton, Springfield, Xenia and Piqua Posts. He earned the Ace Award for excellence in auto larceny enforcement in 1992 and was selected as Post Trooper of the Year in 1992 and 1995.

Colonel Thomas W. Rice Leadership Award – Sgt. Michael V. Maughmer, of the Jackson District Criminal Investigations, was honored with the Colonel Thomas W. Rice Leadership Award, which is presented to one sworn supervisory officer annually for outstanding leadership. The award is sponsored by the Ohio State Highway Patrol Retirees’ Association and is in honor of former Patrol Superintendent Thomas W. Rice.

Sgt. Maughmer began his Patrol career in December 1991 as a cadet dispatcher assigned to the Jackson Post and the Chillicothe Post. He began training as a member of the 125th Academy Class in May 1993. He earned his commission in November of that year and was assigned to the Wilmington Post. In 1994, he transferred to the Circleville Post. In 1997, he returned to the Chillicothe Post. In 2000, he transferred to the Office of Special Operations. In 2003, he transferred to the Jackson District Criminal Investigations Section, where he served as a plainclothes investigator. In 2009, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant and transferred to the Office of Personnel, Regional Training. In 2011, he returned to his most recent assignment in Criminal Investigations.

Motor Carrier Enforcement Inspector of the Year – Motor Carrier Enforcement Inspector Albert J. Allen, of the Bucyrus District Licensing and Commercial Standards Unit, was selected as Motor Carrier Enforcement Inspector of the Year. MCEI Allen began his career with the Patrol in August 1986 as a Motor Carrier Enforcement Inspector at Massillon District Headquarters, where he received an Employee Recognition Award in 2006. In 2012, he transferred to his most recent assignment at the Bucyrus District Headquarters.

Criminal Patrol Award – Tpr. Nicholas L. Lewis, of the Portsmouth Post, earned the State Criminal Patrol Award for having the most felony case investigations which led to a felony arrest. In 2013, he had 50 felony cases and 82 arrests. Most of his cases were drug-related; including two drug violations that resulted in the seizure of illegal firearms. Tpr. Lewis also made the following seizures: four pounds of marijuana; more than two pounds of heroin; more than two pounds of cocaine and 3,735 illegal prescription pills. The contraband has a combine value of approximately $248,662.

Tpr. Lewis joined the Patrol in March 2005 as a member of the 144th Academy Class. He earned his commission in October of that year and was assigned to the Wilmington Post. In 2007, he transferred to his most recent assignment at the Portsmouth Post, where he earned the Criminal Patrol Award every year from 2007 to 2010. He earned the Ace Award for excellence in auto larceny enforcement, Post, District and State Trooper of the Year in 2008.

Tpr. Lewis earned a Bachelor degree in business administration from Shawnee State University in 2000, and a Bachelor of Specialized Study degree in computer programming from DeVry University in 2002.

Electronic Technician Award – Electronic Technician 2 Brian W. Oldham, Piqua District Headquarters, was selected as Electronic Technician of the Year. An Electronic Technician 2 supports the Division’s multiple radio systems by testing, maintaining, aligning, and programming radios and equipment.

Electronic Technician 2 Oldham joined the Patrol in May 2001, as an electronic technician 1 in Technology and Communications. In 2003, he was promoted to an electronic technician 2 and transferred to his most recent assignment at the Piqua District Headquarters, where he earned the Electronic Technician Award in 2004 and 2006.

Ohio Trooper Recognition Award– Tpr. Sherri E. Wells, Jackson District Criminal Investigations, was selected from eight regional recipients. The Trooper Recognition Award recognizes excellence among troopers who are assigned to specialty positions. Tpr. Wells joined the Patrol in May 1990 as a member of the 120th Academy Class. She earned her commission in November of that year and was assigned to the Jackson Post, where she was selected as Post Trooper of the Year by her peers in 1995. In 1999, she transferred to her most recent assignment at Jackson District Criminal Investigations, where she serves as a plainclothes investigator.

Employee Recognition Award – Administrative Professional 1, Sandra M. Rhodes, Batavia Post, received the award presented annually to recognize excellence by a civilian employee. Implementing employee incentives can help to motivate employees and rewards them for their service within an organization. Rhodes began her Patrol career in July 1985 assigned to the Georgetown Post as a dispatcher. In 1989, she transferred to her most recent assignment at the Batavia Post. While at the Batavia Post, she also worked as a dispatcher 2 and a clerk 3. She was selected as Post Dispatcher of Year in 1986, 1988, 1990, 1991, and District Dispatcher of the Year in 1992. She received the Employee Recognition Award in 1994, 1998, 2001, 2004, 2006, 2010 and 2012.

Ohio Investigative Unit State Agent of the Year – Agent Joseph C. Chamberlain, Canton District Office, was selected from six District Agents of the Year as State Agent of the Year. Agent Chamberlain exemplifies a true law enforcement professional and demonstrates his leadership and dedication on a daily basis. Agent Chamberlain has an excellent working relationship with other law enforcement agencies and they rely on him to assist them with their liquor law enforcement concerns. Agent Chamberlain joined the Ohio Investigative Unit in November 2004 and was assigned to the Toledo District Office. In 2006, he transferred to his most recent assignment at the Canton District Office.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice form the University of Toledo in 2003.

Note to Editors: Below are District honors for: District Trooper of the Year, District Dispatcher of the Year, District Trooper Recognition, and District Employee Recognition. For photographs of award winners, e-mail [email protected] with requests.

Findlay District – Tpr. Evan M. Slates, Bowling Green Post; Dispatcher Denise S. Blue, Findlay Dispatch Center; Tpr. Kent J. Stambaugh, Findlay District Criminal Investigations; Jacob E. Wagner (Maintenance Repair Worker), Toledo Post.

Bucyrus District – Tpr. Brandon J. Richardson, Wooster Post; Dispatcher Brian A. Flahiff, Sandusky Dispatch Center; Tpr. Matthew A. Ruth, Bucyrus District Criminal Patrol; Michelle A. Hall (Administrative Professional 1), Norwalk Post.

Warren District – Tpr. John L. Lamm, Ravenna Post; Dispatcher Tamara A. Scheetz, Canfield Dispatch Center; Tpr. Michael W. Gurlea, Warren District Criminal Investigations; Patricia A. Hughes (Administrative Professional 1), Medina Post.

Piqua District – Tpr. Joseph M. Weeks, Piqua Post; Dispatcher Katherine E. Welbaum, Dayton Dispatch Center; Tpr. James R. Bennett II, Piqua District Licensing and Commercial Standards; Shannon Tackett (Administrative Professional 1), Xenia Post.

Columbus District – Tpr. Christian J. Miemeyer, Columbus Metro Post; Dispatcher Adam E. Quinn, West Jefferson Dispatch Center; Tpr. Brian P. Alloy, Columbus District Licensing and Commercial Standards; Christina McGinnis (Administrative Professional 1), West Jefferson Post.

Cambridge District –Tpr. Scott E. Buxton, Cambridge Post;Dispatcher Lori D. Stine, New Philadelphia Dispatch Center; Tpr. Gordon R. McDonald, Cambridge District Licensing and Commercial Standards;Thomas S. Tonnous (Maintenance Repair Worker), Cambridge District Headquarters.

Wilmington District –Tpr. Matthew R. Beccaccio, Hamilton Post;Dispatcher Deborah K. Griffith, Lebanon Dispatch Center;Tpr. Jennifer Soderquist, Wilmington District Headquarters;Sandra M. Rhodes (Administrative Professional 1), Batavia Post.

Jackson District –Tpr. Dustin R. Payne, Marietta Post;Dispatcher John W. Young, Jackson Dispatch Center;Tpr. Sherri E. Wells, Jackson District Criminal Investigations;Jennifer Gompf (Administrative Professional 1), Gallipolis Post.

GHQ – Trooper Recognition, Tpr. Dustin D. Neely, Criminal Investigations; Dispatcher of the Year, Dispatcher Ian M. Miller, Columbus Communications Center; Employee Recognition, Judy Celnicker (Program Administrator 2), Training Academy; Todd Wallace (Telecommunication Technician Coordinator), Strategic Services; Matthew L. Roaden (Police Officer 2), Special Operations; Lisa R. Fulk (Statistician 1), Field Operations; and Jaclyn Snyder (Administrative Professional 3 ), Ohio Investigative Unit.

Auxiliary Awards

The following awards are for the Patrol’s Auxiliary members who are an all-volunteer force that provides assistance to troopers.

William J. Duffy Award of Excellence – Bryon M. Doty

This award requires a minimum of 300 volunteer hours per year over three consecutive years.

Aux. Lt. Bryon M. Doty joined the Ohio State Highway Patrol Auxiliary in 2011 and is assigned to the Delaware Post. Over the last three years, he has volunteered an average of 1,547 hours per year which includes riding on patrol, working at sobriety checkpoints and assisting at special details.

In addition to volunteering with the Patrol, Aux. Lt. Doty owns his own electronic installation company.

State Auxiliary Officer of the Year- Denis M. Hite

Aux. Lt. Col. Hite joined the Ohio State Highway Patrol Auxiliary in 1993 and is assigned to the Chardon Post. In 2013, Aux. Lt. Col. Hite volunteered 535 hours of time assisting with Patrol duties. This time included riding on patrol, assisting at the Ohio State Fair, Ohio State University football game details, sobriety checkpoints, Shield details and working at the Academy store.

Aux. Lt. Col. Hite works part-time at the Chardon Post as a maintenance repair worker.

Earl Ulmer Meritorious Service Award – Christopher T. Scarberry

The Ulmer Meritorious Service Award is the highest honor bestowed upon an Auxiliary officer for outstanding service, courage, valor or heroism.

Aux. Officer Christopher T. Scarberry of the Zanesville Post earned the Ulmer Award for his swift response that saved the life of an infant boy who had stopped breathing on August 20, 2013. Tpr. J.A. Weaver of the Zanesville Post and Auxiliary Officer Scarberry were on routine patrol on U.S. 22 in Muskingum County, when they attempted to initiate a traffic stop for a speed violation. The vehicle did not stop and continued speeding on U.S. 22 towards the Newton Township Volunteer Fire Department. When the vehicle stopped, Tpr. Weaver made contact with the occupants and observed an infant in the vehicle was unresponsive and not breathing. Tpr. Weaver requested emergency medical personnel, while Auxiliary Officer Scarberry, who is an emergency medical technician with Reading Twp. Volunteer Fire Department, assessed the infant. He determined that the infant’s airway was blocked, immediately cleared the airway and began to administer first aid until the infant began to breathe on his own.

Aux. Officer Scarberry continued to provide first aid until emergency medical personnel arrived on the scene.The Newton Township Fire Department transported the infant to Good Samaritan Hospital, where he was treated and released. Due to the life-saving actions of Auxiliary Officer Scarberry, the infant survived a terrifying and life threatening event.

Aux. Officer Scarberry joined the Patrol’s Auxiliary in 2011.