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Description
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| Like the Roan family, there have been many who sacrificed and suffered to better the lives for those who followed. Motivating these leaders were characteristics like civic pride, patriotism, pride in family and heritage, and fortitude to overcome obstacles. While in 2009, the number of sworn Patrol personnel belonging to minority groups is about 15 percent of about 1,500 officers, the atmosphere within the Division is very different than that of 1940. Today, recruitment of minority officers is a focus of the Office of Training, Selection & Standards. Since 1955, when Louis Sharp completed Academy training and joined the Patrol, there have been many men and women who have followed. In 1966, Gilbert Jones joined the Patrol; with every promotion, he became the first black to serve in that rank, including lieutenant colonel - second in command of the Division - one of only two African-American state officers in the nation to serve in that rank. In 1997, Lieutenant Colonel Jones also became the first African-American to retire from the Highway Patrol. After being named Post Trooper of the Year at Zanesville in 1994, Michelle Henderson's career was history in the making - she was the first African-American female to earn each promotion she received. Henderson was promoted to sergeant in July 2000, and lieutenant just five months later. She earned the rank of staff lieutenant in 2004, and that of captain in 2006. These and others were able to serve with the Patrol as as a result of those like Sanford Roan, who spoke out for the rights of individuals of all races. Roan passed this legacy onto his children, as well. CONTINUING THE POSITIVE LEGACY Both of Roan's children continue the family tradition of success. Kay, a graduate of Central State University, is a retired City of Columbus employee. Her brother, Gary, graduated from Fisk University in Nashville. He worked as a Senior Vice President of Key Bank, but recently changed his career and joined his wife, as McDonald's owner-operators, with four franchises in the Dayton area that they've owned for the last 20 years. Kay embraces her father's positive outlook toward racial roadblocks, especially the recent election of the nation's first black president, Barack Obama. But she points out that discrimination and racism against African-Americans - and other minority groups - continues and citizens must work to eliminate such problems. "I was thrilled that he was elected, but I am discouraged about the hatred that's come out since then," she said. "When you stir hatred, violence comes. That shouldn't happen here. This is a country for everyone." |
Being first isn't always easy: the story of Sanford Roan and the OSHP, 1940
-Article, Newspaper
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| Louis Sharp, 1st black OSHP officer, 1955 |
Disclaimer - Any links to external web sites on this web site are intended for informational purposes only and are not endorsed by the OSHP/ODPS in any way. These sites have their own policies, which may be less rigorous than the State.