The Highway Patrol Brings Recruitment Closer to Home

Joe Lyons • November 22, 2024

The Highway Patrol Brings Recruitment Closer to Home

This morning, aspiring Ohio State Highway Patrol (OHP) recruits gathered at the Gault Recreation Center in Wooster, Ohio, for a unique opportunity: the chance to complete the initial phases of the rigorous Highway Patrol recruitment process without traveling to Columbus.

Assisting in  this regional testing initiative is Sergeant Marshall, an 18-year OHP veteran, former Ashland Post Trooper, and a previous Ashland recipient of the prestigious “Trooper of the Year” award. Now working on recruitment efforts out of the OHP Academy in Columbus, Sgt. Marshall is passionate about making the application process more accessible.

“Wooster is just one of several stops we’re making across the state,” Sgt. Marshall shared. “The goal is to bring the process closer to home for applicants, giving them a better chance to pursue this career without the barriers of travel.”

The Recruitment Process

The day began at 8 a.m. with a written exam—a 50-question computer-based test designed to evaluate applicants’ knowledge and problem-solving skills. Those who passed immediately advanced to the physical fitness test, which included:

    Push-ups: Minimum of 22 in one minute.

    Sit-ups: Minimum of 33 in one minute.

    1.5-Mile Run: Completed in 12 minutes and 58 seconds or less for a typical 20-year-old male.

Sgt. Marshall noted that the standards are rigorous but achievable with preparation. “We’re here to identify the best candidates and prepare them for success in the academy and beyond,” he said.

Academy Life and Career Opportunities

For those who advance, academy life offers intense training. Cadets are paid $22 per hour and receive full benefits during their approximately six-month training period. They stay on-site five days a week, where they learn Ohio laws, arrest techniques, self-defense, and defensive driving, among other critical skills.

The OHP is committed to molding highly-motivated, well-trained professionals who are ready to serve the community. “As troopers, we enforce traffic laws, investigate crashes, and uphold public safety. The work is challenging but incredibly rewarding,” said Sgt. Marshall.

A Hometown Connection

For Sgt. Marshall, Ashland remains close to his heart. “Ashland will always be home—a great post and community,” he reflected. While his new role keeps him stationed in Columbus, he hinted at the possibility of bringing a recruitment event to Ashland in the future.

Do You Have What It Takes?

OHP is actively seeking dedicated individuals to join the next generation of troopers. If you’re ready to test your mental and physical strength, tackle the challenges of academy life, and commit to serving the community, now is the time to step up.

For more information on recruitment and upcoming testing events, visit the OHP website or contact your local post. Your journey to becoming an Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper could start today.