WQIO Ohio's Super Station
Mount Gilead – The Mount Gilead Patrol Post hosted an open house today in recognition of the
Ohio State Highway Patrol’s 9 th anniversary. The open house allowed community members to
meet Patrol personnel and see the local post.
“Since our inception, the Ohio State Highway Patrol has been part of the communities in which we
serve,” said Mount Gilead Post commander Coby Holloway. “Welcoming community members
into our house to share in our 90 th anniversary celebration furthers that bond we share within this
community. Our troopers and professional staff are also a part of this community, and we are very
happy today’s open house provided the opportunity for us to get to know families within the
community better.”
Along with interacting with Patrol personnel, troopers were on hand to answer questions about
operations and equipment, as well as provide tours of the facility. A recruiter was on-site to assist
with the application process for those interested in a career with the Patrol.
“Engaging with the community is crucial for us to build trust, foster positive relationships and
ensure that our efforts align with the needs of the people we serve,” said Colonel Charles A.
Jones, Patrol superintendent. “Our open houses provide a unique opportunity for us to connect
with our communities and showcase our commitment to public safety.”
As part of the Patrol’s 90th anniversary activities, the Patrol is partnering with Dolly Parton’s
Imagination Library of Ohio to help educate families about this free book program for Ohio’s
littlest learners. Families with kids under the age of five can enroll their children into the program
during the open house. After enrollment, the Imagination Library mails children one book each
month until their fifth birthday at no cost to families. All Ohio children are eligible for this
program. To learn more, visit https://ohioimaginationlibrary.org/
“I hope families will take advantage of this opportunity to meet some of the servant leaders at the
Ohio Highway Patrol in their community, and I encourage them to sign up their little ones for free
books in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio,” said Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine. “We
want children in every Ohio neighborhood to experience the incredible benefits of early reading!”
The Ohio State Highway Patrol began on November 15, 1933, when the first 60 patrolmen earned
their commissions following training at Camp Perry and began patrolling Ohio’s roads.
Throughout the Patrol’s nine decades, the mission has always been the same – to save lives.
Founders envisioned an agency that showed compassion and sincerity, and promoted the safety
and welfare for all Ohioans.
Over the past 90 years, sworn officers and professional staff have provided service with a purpose
for the citizens of Ohio.
