CAMBRIDGE − Two members of the Cambridge station of the Ohio Highway Patrol have been recognized for their service, according to the patrol.
Trooper Jeremy Border was voted 2024 Trooper of the Year by his colleagues at the local station.
“Trooper Border exemplifies what it takes to be an Ohio State soldier and a leader among his peers,” Lt. Todd Henry said in a news release. “He communicates clearly and persuasively with others…demonstrating ingenuity and an enthusiastic work ethic in achieving the division’s goals.
Jeremy Grens
“Ultimately, Trooper Border is the best example of a trooper’s professional and leadership qualities,” Henry continued. “This includes honesty, sense of urgency, team orientation, attention to detail, self-discipline, adaptability, performance orientation, professionalism, family, diversity and officer safety.”
Border is a 2012 graduate of Caldwell High School, where he competed in wrestling, football and track. He was a four-time sectional champion and three-time district wrestling champion. He also finished fourth, seventh, second and third respectively at state wrestling tournaments while representing the Redskins. He received an academic scholarship to the University of Mount Union in Alliance, where he also wrestled. Border was a two-time All-American wrestler for the Purple Raiders and earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 2016.
Border joined the patrol in 2017 and is a graduate of the 162nd Academy class. He was previously assigned to the St. Clairsville and Marietta posts. At the beginning of this year he moved to Cambridge Post to serve his home area. Since joining the division, Border has earned his health and physical fitness ribbon and star. He has also earned the Criminal Patrol Award in 2020, 2021, 2022 and in 2023. Border also earned the title of Master Trooper in 2024.
Melissa Akers
Dispatcher Melissa Akers was selected for the 2024 Ohio State Highway Patrol Telecommunications Award.
The 31-year-old Caldwell resident was honored for her outstanding service during the year.
Post management, troopers and coordinators selected her based on technical knowledge and ability, enthusiastic work attitude, teamwork and prompt and courteous response to the public’s requests for information and assistance.
Akers joined the patrol in July 2018 as the Cambridge Dispatch Center coordinator.
She is originally from Pleasant City and graduated from Shenandoah High School in 2011. Akers has a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from Marietta College.
This article originally appeared in The Daily Jeffersonian: Cambridge post of Ohio Highway Patrol’s honors top trooper, dispatcher
