Patrol post picks local trooper, dispatcher of the year honorees
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (Dec. 2, 2024) – Two employees at the local highway patrol post are being recognized by their peers.
The New Philadelphia’s 2024 Trooper of the Year is Seth Oszust of Bowerston. He joined the highway patrol in 2012, previously working at the Canton and Steubenville posts, and recently achieved the title of Master Trooper.
“I’m very excited and honored to be recognized by my supervisors and co-workers. It’s a big honor to get this award from our post… But really it’s a group effort. I get recognized but really it’s a whole post effort. We should be proud of what we’ve accomplished so far for this year and for the remainder of the year.”
His boss at the post – Lieutenant Jonnie Maier – says he’s one of the post’s more seasoned troopers and an all-around great guy who cares deeply about his family and community.
“He is very dependable. He is well grounded, well rounded and just the kind of guy you want by your side either during a traffic stop or during a conversation with the public. It’s very much deserved.”
Each year, patrol posts also recognize an outstanding dispatcher. New Philadelphia has again picked William Courtright of Coshocton, a five-time district dispatcher of the year who went on to win the statewide award in 2022.
“He has almost always won this award, so very much appreciated by those people that work with him. He’s very, very dependable in the dispatch center, always on time, always a joy to be around. He brings a lot of humor into an otherwise serious job environment.”
In addition to his service to the patrol, Oszust is a Master Sergeant with the Air National Guard who completed three tours of duty overseas. He’s a first-time Trooper of the Year honoree.