Public Safety

Ohio Highway Patrol welcomes its largest cadet class in nearly a decade

The Ohio State Highway Patrol has welcomed its largest cadet class in nearly a decade: 91 recruits in the 181st cadet class signed letters of intent at district posts across the state on Monday and began six months of academy training in Columbus on Tuesday.

Signing ceremonies were held Monday morning at Highway Patrol district headquarters in all nine districts, with family, friends and district commanders on hand. Southern Ohio recruits signed at the Jackson and Wilmington posts, among others, posing with the troopers who will one day welcome them into the ranks.

Training for the 181st class began Tuesday, October 27, at the Ohio State Highway Patrol Training Academy in Columbus — the start of the months of work that lead to the badge of an Ohio State Trooper. Cadets at the academy are paid, work weekdays, and are provided room and board, according to the Patrol's recruiting materials.

The class arrives as the Patrol works to fill its ranks statewide; the 91 recruits will be assigned to posts in all nine districts after graduation.

Sources: The Ohio Flyover (Oct 27, 2026); Hopewell Heritage Headlines (Oct 26–27, 2026).

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