BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Ohio State Highway Patrol is actively recruiting new troopers this summer, officials announced during a recent community spotlight program. Lieutenant Ty Skaggs and Sergeant Andrew Shellhouse joined the program to discuss opportunities and qualifications for joining the force.
Sgt. Shellhouse outlined the basic qualifications for becoming a trooper: applicants must be between 20 and 39 years old, a U.S. citizen, possess a high school diploma or GED, and have a valid driver’s license with no more than five active points within the last two years.
Both Lt. Skaggs and Sgt. Shellhouse shared their personal journeys to the Highway Patrol, highlighting their prior military service as a significant influence. Lt. Skaggs, a former Navy civil engineer, found law enforcement a fitting transition due to its paramilitary structure and the opportunity to help people. Sgt. Shellhouse, whose father was a volunteer firefighter, also served in the military (82nd Airborne) and sought a career with a similar focus on service and making a difference.
Lt. Skaggs echoed this, noting the educational aspect of their work, including partnering with driving schools to promote safe driving habits. He also clarified the Highway Patrol’s jurisdiction, which extends to all public roadways and state-owned properties.
The discussion also covered the diverse roles within the Highway Patrol beyond regular patrol duties, including aviation, investigative services, vehicle theft units, licensing and commercial standards, special response teams (SWAT), crash reconstruction, canine units, executive protection for the governor and lieutenant governor, mobile field force, honor guard, motorcycle units, and polygraph examiners.
Sgt. Shellhouse detailed the application process, which includes a written test, a physical fitness test, vision and hearing tests, a polygraph exam, a background check, a selection committee interview, a psychological assessment, and a medical review. He also highlighted the ride-along program, encouraging potential applicants to experience the daily duties of a trooper firsthand.
Benefits of joining the Ohio State Highway Patrol include immediate medical benefits, dental and vision after one-year, paid training at the academy ($22/hour), a starting pay of over $31/hour upon graduation, annual step increases, paid holidays, vacation time, sick leave, and pension options. Tuition reimbursement is also available after a qualifying period.
For military veterans, the Highway Patrol offers several benefits, including allowances for tattoos (excluding neck, face, and hands), the ability to buy back up to five years of prior active-duty service credit towards retirement, a military service ribbon, and paid military leave for National Guard and Reserve members. The GI Bill can also be used towards the academy.
Anyone interested in a career with the Ohio State Highway Patrol is encouraged to visit careers.ohio.gov or scan the QR code available with the community spotlight program.
