(Left) Trooper Ethan L. Barrett (Right) Trooper Derek G. Basinger

The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s 175th Academy Class graduated Friday from the Ohio State Highway Patrol Training Academy after 28 weeks of intense training. Director Andy Wilson, Ohio Department of Public Safety; and Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent; provided remarks during the graduation ceremony. Ohio Department of Veterans Services Director Deborah Ashenhurst delivered the commencement address. Judge David A. Trimmer, Fairfield County Court of Common Pleas, issued the Oath of Office.

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

Among the graduates who received special honors for top performance in various fields of study at the Training Academy were:

— Trooper Derek G. Basinger of Youngstown, Lisbon Post, top performance in academics.

— Trooper Ethan L. Barrett of Boardman, Lisbon Post, top performance in firearms.

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