ODPS Honors Outstanding Ohioans at Annual Patriot Awards Ceremony

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) - The Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) honored Ohioans today for their remarkable service to the nation and their communities at the annual Ohio Patriot Awards Ceremony, held in recognition of the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

ODPS Director Ben Suver recognized employees, military veterans, and representatives from law enforcement agencies across the state. The awards highlight individuals and families who have devoted their lives to public service, as well as those whose military and law enforcement traditions span generations.

"These awards reflect far more than acknowledgment - they honor the courage, dedication, and selfless commitment of those who consistently put the safety and well-being of others first," said Director Suver. "We are proud to celebrate individuals who exemplify the spirit of duty and patriotism."

Award recipients included:

• Gary Berry, Retired Federal Agent
• Fire Chief Chase Bryan, Truro Township Fire Department
• Cynthia Callender, Ohio Attorney General's Office
• Chief Donovan Cooper, London Police Department
• Mary Davis, Ohio School Safety Center
• Mark M. Dean, Vice President, Rocky Boots/Retired U.S. Army Major
• Master Chief John DeBolt, United States Navy
• Director Nicole Dehner, Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services
• Ramon Diaz, Ohio Tactical Officers Association
• Matthew J. Donahue, Ohio Attorney General's Office Prosecutor/Governor's Chief Counsel
• Dr. Lacy Ellis, Tiffin University
• Dana Forney, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations
• Russell Garman, Clark County Sheriff's Office Major (retired)/German Township Police Department
• Sheriff Terry Grice, Medina County Sheriff's Office
• Battalion Chief Chris Gutman, Columbus Division of Fire
• S/Lt. Molly Harris, Ohio State Highway Patrol
• Major Michael Kemmer, Ohio State Highway Patrol
• George Kral, Director of Public Safety, City of Toledo
• Sgt. John Kubas, Cleveland Police Department
• Sheriff Jason Landers, Paulding County Sheriff's Office
• LTC. Charles Linek III, Ohio State Highway Patrol
• Sgt. LeVon R. Morefield, Columbus Division of Police
• Tim Pancher, Ohio Department of Transportation, Arnold Sports
• Director Mark Porter, Ohio Homeland Security
• Sheriff John Swaney, Madison County Sheriff's Office
• Prosecutor Ron Welch, Muskingum County

During the ceremony, Donald Barker, retired from the United States Marine Corps and the Transportation Security Administration, was presented with the 2026 Thomas P. Charles Lifetime Achievement Award. The award honors his enduring dedication, outstanding professionalism, and years of distinguished service. His ongoing commitment to mentoring, educating, and strengthening the transportation security field has made him a highly respected and influential leader.