Ohio State Highway Patrol Hosts Open House in Ashland with Ride-Along Opportunities
ASHLAND, OH – Tomorrow morning, Ashland-area residents will have a rare opportunity to step inside the world of the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) during a special open house at the Ashland Post 3 headquarters. From 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 19, 2025, the post, located at 805 U.S. Highway 250 East, will open its doors for a family-friendly event designed to spark interest in public safety careers—and maybe even inspire a few future troopers.
Visitors can tour the post, meet local troopers, get an up-close look at OSHP patrol vehicles, and speak directly with recruiters about becoming a state trooper, cadet candidate, or dispatcher. Trooper Joshua Smith, the post’s recruitment officer, will be on-site to answer questions about the hiring process and what it takes to join Ohio’s elite law enforcement team.
One of the day’s highlights is the Patrol’s ride-along program, which offers aspiring recruits a chance to experience the job firsthand by spending a shift in the passenger seat of a cruiser. Participants will shadow troopers on real calls, observe traffic stops, and see how law enforcement works on Ohio’s highways.
“This program is a game-changer for anyone considering this career,” said Major Michael D. Kemmer, who oversees OSHP’s Training and Recruitment Division. “The ride-along gives potential recruits a real look at the challenging but rewarding work our troopers do every day to keep Ohio safe.”
The ride-along program is open to applicants ages 18-39 with a valid driver’s license, pending a brief interview with the post commander.
The open house will also feature application information for those ready to take the next step toward a law enforcement career. Troopers encourage attendees to bring questions—and plenty of curiosity.
For more details about the event or to schedule a ride-along, contact Trooper Joshua Smith at 614-203-5183 or JPSmith2@DPS.Ohio.gov. More information is also available at StatePatrolOhio.gov.
