(6-23-25) This past Friday, the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s 176th Academy Class graduated from the Ohio State Highway Patrol Training Academy after 28 weeks of intense training.

Trooper Gabriel Q. Combs who will be stationed at the Wapakoneta Post and who is from Ft. Recovery picked up a special honor – Top performance in firearms.

Assistant Director Benjamin B. Suver, Ohio Department of Public Safety; and Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent; provided remarks during the graduation ceremony.

State Representative Haraz N. Ghanbari delivered the commencement address to the 18 members of the Patrol’s 176th Academy Class. Judge David A. Trimmer, Fairfield County Court of Common Pleas, issued the Oath of Office.

Courses completed by the 176th class include crash investigation, criminal and traffic law, detection of impaired drivers, firearms, physical fitness, self-defense, and emergency vehicle operations.

Trooper Jason B. Bolha, Findlay Post, was selected as class speaker and thanked the Academy and cadet family members for being supportive during their training.

Four graduates received special honors for top performance in various fields of study at the Training Academy. The honorees were:

  • Overall performance – Trooper Brent T. Wilson, Chardon Post
  • Top performance in academics – Trooper Micah S. Flatt, Wooster Post
  • Top performance in driving – Trooper Ethan G. White, Dayton Post
  • Top performance in firearms – Trooper Gabriel Q. Combs, Wapakoneta Post
  • Top performance in physical fitness – Trooper Brent T. Wilson, Chardon Post

Graduates will report to their assigned posts beginning Sunday, June 22. The graduates’ first 70 working days will be a field-training period under the guidance of a veteran officer.