Careers to Watch

"The Ohio State Patrol stresses fellowship and allows you to forge lifelong relationships with amazing people. I have met state troopers from many different states and it is amazing how we are all the same in so many aspects. The training, educational benefits, and esprit de corps is second to none. It also provides career opportunities that can’t be found in many other agencies. The Ohio State Highway Patrol is a difficult agency to join because of the stringent standards but should you meet the challenge, you’ll be glad you did."

S/Lt. Gary Allen

"My first post assignment was at the Chardon post. Hope you like snow, and lots of it! I spent 8+ years there doing what I could to help make our roads safer. Helping disabled motorists, arresting drunk drivers, investigating traffic crashes, and enforcing traffic laws. Through the years, and snowstorms, I never lost my desire to fly, and in April 2000 I became the first black pilot in the history of the Highway Patrol. I now fly airplanes, and helicopters worth up to $2 million dollars in support of the Highway Patrol’s traffic safety mission. Some people tell me it’s the best job in the Patrol, and I agree. "

Tpr. Micheal Brooks

"I can vividly remember that day I chose to pursue being a law enforcement officer, the day of my graduation from the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy, and the very first stop I completed with my Chrysler patrol vehicle to assist a disabled motorist. I remember every detail of investigating my first fatal crash, the first resisting, and the first stolen vehicle recovery. I have had a lot of experiences at work that were so intense that I can close my eyes and be right at that same scene again. The sights, the sounds, the smells seem so real. To me they have been imprinted in my brain, sometimes I feel like they are imprinted in my soul too. "

Capt. Brigette Charles

"In 1987, I was somewhat of a novelty with the citizens, since I was the first woman trooper assigned to the post. The work ethic that was instilled in me as a child was put to work while I was learning my new job. When people see that you do your job effectively and professionally just like your male counterparts, the novelty soon wears off. Treating people with respect, along with fair but firm enforcement, is a way of life for Ohio state troopers. It doesn’t matter whether you are man or a woman; the job of state trooper remains the same."

S/Lt. Brenda Collins

"The reason I chose to join the Patrol is the opportunities that were afforded to me and the prestigious image of the organization. Prior to joining the organization, I was in the military (US Navy) and upon completion of my enlistment, I decided to pursue a career in law enforcement. There were several state, local and federal law enforcement agencies heavily recruiting minorities during this time. What impressed me about the Ohio State Highway Patrol more than all the other agencies was the professional image, and appearance each and every one of their officers demonstrated."

Capt. Arthur Combest

"As a minority, I am aware of the challenges that I face in this profession. However, it has been exactly that, the fact that I am a minority member that has given me the opportunity to use a perspective that others may not have. That is to say that I have chosen to use my life experiences to connect with others from various cultures because I had already developed communication skills that have helped me deal with all kinds of people in a variety of circumstances and these skills have benefited me professionally. Additionally, as an African American man who holds the rank of sergeant in the Ohio State Patrol, I realize that I constantly defy stereotypes."

Sgt. David Durr

"I chose the Patrol for a variety of reasons including job security, health care benefits, opportunities to pursue a variety of interests within the Patrol, equal promotional opportunities, tuition reimbursement, and the ability to transfer to different Patrol posts throughout the state, if I wanted. Even though the training at the Academy was physically and mentally demanding, I knew I would be prepared to perform my duties as a state trooper. In addition to the daily responsibilities of traffic enforcement and crash investigations, I enjoyed the opportunity to speak to high school students and local community organizations."

S/Lt. Marla Gaskill

"When I finally reached the 26th week of training, it occurred to me that I had not only faced a very difficult challenge, I had actually conquered it. The time had come that I was about to embark on one of the most honorable careers a person could have: public service. During the graduation ceremony, my classmates and I stood in front of our family and friends, raised our right hands and repeated the oath to serve and protect. Finally, we too had earned the right to wear the freshly pressed uniform that we all were so impressed by on day one of the Academy training. At that point it dawned on me, finally, I was now a state trooper!"

Capt. Michelle Henderson

"My career with the Patrol has allowed me to do more than just traffic enforcement. I have served as a driving instructor, police instructor, field recruitment officer, background investigator, regional crash instructor, and alcohol and drug awareness instructor. There is so much you can do in the Patrol that goes beyond what meets the eye. We, as an organization, know and understand the value of being culturally diverse and reflective of the communities that we serve. Black men have enjoyed the opportunity to move as high as lieutenant colonel (second in command) within this organization and women have achieved ranks as high as major. I consider these significant achievements since the first black trooper was commissioned in 1955 and the first female trooper in 1977."

Lt. Morris Hill

"The most definitive question about the value of my career as a state trooper that I have been asked by an inquiring candidate was if I were to do it all over again, would I change anything regarding my career choices. My answer was absolutely not. I have thoroughly enjoyed my career and the camaraderie with the people I have met along the way."

Sgt. Chris Johnson

"The Ohio State Highway Patrol needs people with different backgrounds to help better our organization. You may think that where you grew up or how you grew up might inhibit you from being a good trooper, but I believe that your life experiences and upbringing is what our organization needs. You may have a different look at things and that may be what we need to learn how to deal with the variety of people you will reach as a state trooper. Never underestimate what you can do. See yourself doing better. See yourself completing a goal in your life. Be a leader. Be a role model. There may be young people in your life that need to see you do something to impact their life. Make this decision to choose a career of which people in your life will be proud."

Tpr. Orlando Pagan

"A female in the Ohio State Highway Patrol cannot be successful unless she accepts the challenges that may be faced, and is motivated by them, instead of oppressed by them. I have been treated with respect by other Division employees and have been afforded all of the career opportunities of my male counterparts. I do not see myself as a female within the Patrol, but as a trooper, who chose to uphold the Constitution of the United States and make society a better place to raise my children. The decision to become a part of the Ohio State Highway Patrol family has provided me with not only the financial means to support my family, but also wealth in terms of the friends I have made and the experiences I have gained."

Lt. Robin Schmutz

"The Ohio State Highway Patrol caught my attention for a few reasons. I knew that the Patrol is a highly respected and professional organization. I knew that if I became a trooper I would have the opportunity to arrest impaired drivers before they caused serious crashes. I wanted to have a career that gave me the chance to really make a positive difference in other people’s lives. I also wanted a career that could offer me a sound retirement and salary that I could support a family with in the future. The Patrol has given me all these opportunities and more."

Tpr. Chandra Skufca

"As Academy Commandant, I have implemented numerous technological and training philosophy changes resulting in the Ohio State Highway Patrol being looked upon as having the model law enforcement training academy in the country. I would tell a young black female that she is a rare and needed commodity in our organization. I would advise her of the job security and benefits that would provide a secure future for her and her family. Her potential for advancement would be great and there are so many areas within the Patrol that are available for a rich, fulfilling career."

Major Peyton Watts

"I felt this job would give me opportunities to help people, give back to the community, and make a difference. I grew up in an area that was economically depressed and jobs were very limited. The patrol offered great pay, vision, health and dental benefits, tuition reimbursement, and a deferred compensation program similar to a 401K. It is an honor for me to be a part of the history of women in the Highway Patrol. I have grown both personally and professionally throughout my career, and would strongly encourage other women to consider the Highway Patrol as a career."

Lt. Dianna White

"I think being a woman in law enforcement is a bonus - we have effective communication skills as well as other talents that assist us in helping our community. Women do face unique challenges while being a trooper that men don’t typically think about. I’m a mother of two and pregnancy along with childcare issues plus shift work can be overwhelming for some. I was fortunate to have a supportive husband, family and “Patrol” family to help out."

Lt. Judith Wynn-Neel