Ohio State Highway Patrol recruiting troopers

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is recruiting members who’d like to become a part of the patrol.

WHIZ was invited by the patrol for a ride-a-long with one of the newest troopers — Scott Leach. He says his experience has been good.

“My experience as a trooper so far has been very positive.”

Leach originally started his career in engineering. After working in that industry for seven years, he decided to make a career change to law enforcement.

“I realized I like to be out by myself work independently. And so being between four walls all day, just sitting behind a desk, I wasn’t really enjoying that part it.”

He says he was always interested in cars, and after months of researching the career change, he applied.

“All in all, it’s been a fun career, there’s challenges in this career — as with many careers. But, at this point so far I feel like I’ve made the right choice.”

Officer of Recruitment and Trooper Chase Watts says almost anyone can take on the role. As long as they’re willing to put in the work.

“Anybody — so we have obviously minimum requirements and qualifications. Either a high school diploma or GED. You have to be a US citizen. Make sure you have a valid driver’s license and no felony convictions. And if you’re between the ages of 20 and 34 you’re eligible to meet our minimum requirements to apply to be a trooper. A lot of the people want to join because they want to have a sense of — just giving back and helping their communities. A lot of people don’t join this profession just for fun.”

Leach says months into the job — he’s still learning new things everyday.

“There’s a lot to learn at this job and — you talk to these seasoned troopers and they tell you it’s about two and a half, three years to really start to feel comfortable about this job. But you can ask some of the experienced ones — 15-20 years on — they learn something new everyday.”

He says enforcing traffic laws is one of the many ways they keep their communities safe.

“Other than just hand out tickets and warrants, we assist the motoring public on the roadways, whether it’s a tire change or they have an issue with their vehicle. We can certainly dispatch help to their aide and they really appreciate that.”

Watts says to apply, go to their website or contact him at CAWatts@dps.ohio.gov. You can also contact the post at 1-866-876-6737.