BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—This week, a heartfelt moment filled with pride and tradition unfolded at the American Legion Buckeye Boys State (ALBBS) graduation ceremony, where Captain Scott Rike of the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OHP) celebrated a significant milestone for his 17-year-old son, David Rike of Bucyrus was part of the camp known as Wiehe City. Rike attends Col. Crawford High School.
David successfully completed the highly selective ALBBS State Highway Patrol delegate training, marking a notable achievement for both father and son.
ALBBS is an annual program that gathers over 700 high school seniors from across Ohio for a weeklong immersive experience in state and local government.
Among these participants, only about 30 are chosen to become delegates for the prestigious ALBBS State Highway Patrol (BBSHP). These young men, known as Junior State Troopers, undergo rigorous training modeled after the OHP curriculum.
For David, participating in the program provided not just an insight into the world of law enforcement, but also an opportunity to align his path with his father’s lifelong commitment to public service.
“Seeing my father at the graduation ceremony made me feel proud because I know he cares about me, and it shows a lot,” David shared.
He expressed a long-standing desire to help and protect others, recognizing the significance of his role in the community.
Captain Rike, while allowing David the freedom to make his own choices, expressed immense pride in his son’s accomplishments. “I am very proud of him,” he stated, reflecting on their shared dedication to service.
The graduation ceremony was a day filled with handshakes, photographs, and a proud salute from Captain Rike, symbolizing a generational commitment to public service. For the Rike family, this moment not only celebrated David’s achievements but also highlighted a legacy of dedication to the community.