Ohio Department of Public Safety Recognizes Dozens of Heroic Ohioans at Patriot Award Ceremony

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) - The Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) recognized dozens of Ohioans today for their commitment to our nation and their communities at its annual Ohio Patriot Award Ceremony. The event commemorated the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the United States.

ODPS Director Andy Wilson honored employees, military veterans, and others representing law enforcement agencies from across the state. The awards are intended to recognize those who have committed their lives to service and public good, as well as families with histories of military and law enforcement service that span generations.

"These awards signify more than recognition - they are a tribute to the courage, dedication, and selfless service of those who put their safety of others before their own," said Director Wilson. "It is an honor to celebrate those who embody the true spirit of duty and patriotism."

The full list of award recipients include:

• Barbara J. Bartch, U.S. Air Force
• Christi Scott Bartman, The Ohio State University
• Gamel Brimah, Ohio State Highway Patrol
• Major David Brown, Ohio State Highway Patrol
• Chief Elaine R. Bryant, Columbus Division of Police
• Detective Douglas A. Cunningham, The Ohio State University Police Department
• Chief Deputy Doug Doherty, Green County Sherriff's Office
• Special Investigations Unit Fraud Investigator Amy Ferguson, Ohio Auditor's Special Investigations Unit
• General Mike Ferriter, U.S. Army (Retired) Director, National Veterans Memorial and Museum
• Assistant Chief Brad French, Dayton Fire Department
• Tim Halbakken, Granville Police Department
• Daniel Hargus, Columbus Division of Police
• Battalion Chief M. Douglas Hart, Columbus Division of Fire
• Firefighter Stephen Hartenbach, Pomeroy Fire Department
• Sheriff John L. Hinton, Morrow County Sheriff's Office
• Dispatcher Jennifer Kehoe, Medina Police Department
• Chief Gary D. Lewis, Bexley Police Department
• Christopher M. Malson, Dayton Police Department
• Director Haley Melcher, Ohio Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run
• Ted Mosure, President Board of Directors, Ohio Military Hall of Fame
• Suzanne Muraco, Hilliard Division of Police
• Ashley Pesata, Medina Police Department
• Director Cynthia Peterman, Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center
• Major Michael Raven, Franklin County Sheriff's Office
• Director Kristen Slaper, Law Enforcement Initiatives for the Ohio Department of Public Safety
• Michael Slocum, Painesville Police Department

During the ceremony, Tom Rice, retired Ohio State Highway Patrol Colonel, received the 2025 Thomas P. Charles Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication, professionalism, and service that define the best in law enforcement leadership. His leadership, education, and continued service to the law enforcement community have established him as a significant figure in the history of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the City of Columbus, and the Transportation Security Administration.

Director Wilson also recognized the 20 Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers and four members of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources who deployed to Texas to assist with flood relief efforts on July 7, 2025. At the direction of Governor Mike DeWine, this mission highlighted Ohio's commitment to helping other states in times of crisis and is a testament to the dedication of its first responders.

Members of the Texas Deployment included:

Ohio State Highway Patrol

• Major David R. Brown
• Major Matthew L. Them
• Christopher J. Kinn
• John C. Thorne
• Staff Lt. Matthew R. Keener
• Bradley Hess
• Rocky J. Hise
• Trooper Ian D. Blackwood
• Trooper Nicholas G. Combs
• Trooper Gabriel A. Duvall
• Trooper William B. Kanters
• Trooper Matthew Magistri
• Trooper Dominic L. O'Neill
• Trooper Quentin K. Phillips
• Trooper Reid Phillips
• Trooper Justin T. Picklesimon
• Trooper Arslan Qaisar
• Trooper Louis L. Quiles
• Trooper Tyler J. Slabaugh
• Trooper Zachary M. Witmer

Ohio Department of Natural Resources

• Bryce Morris - K9 Jagger
• Officer Nicole Tilton - K9 Rio
• Officer Tammy Vanderwall - K9 Remmington
• Officer Kevin Peters - K9 Sammie