The Ohio State Highway Patrol Auxiliary, an all-volunteer force that provides assistance to Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers in the course of their duties, has launched the Auxiliary cadet program. The program allows people ages 18 to 21 to join the Auxiliary with the ultimate goal of becoming state troopers.
Among the duties of volunteer OSHP Auxiliary officers are crash scene and traffic stop assistance, traffic control, disaster relief and special detail support. The Auxiliary cadet program will allow participants to not only volunteer to assist troopers on road patrol and other duties but also learn about all aspects of the OSHP. As such, Auxiliary cadets will have the opportunity to work alongside people in different areas of the Patrol, including troopers, dispatchers, recruiters, aviation units, and motor carrier enforcement officers.
The Auxiliary cadet program requirements are:
Must be between the ages of 18 and 21 and have a high school or equivalence diploma.
Must pass an OSHP polygraph and background, along with Auxiliary physical tests and medical.
Must complete and graduate from an Auxiliary training class.
Once an Auxiliary cadet graduates, they will be assigned to a local Patrol post alongside other Auxiliary officers and troopers.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the OSHP Auxiliary, which was formed in 1942 at the beginning of World War II when it became apparent that Patrol manpower would be severely depleted by the war. The Auxiliary was organized by Colonel Lynn Black with the help of the American Legion. By the end of the war, more than 5,000 Auxiliaries were working across the state doing desk duty at Patrol posts, assisting with road patrol, assisting convoy movements, enforcing blackout regulations, and safeguarding concentrations of weapons and ammunition.
Since then the program has continued to evolve, with Auxiliaries currently assisting troopers on road patrol, with special details like the Ohio State Fair and Ohio State football games, and responding to emergency callouts. Among the emergencies the Auxiliary has responded to over the years includes disasters such as floods, severe weather, plane crashes, and most recently the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today the Auxiliary continues to be an intricate part of the Patrol, with Auxiliaries donating well more than a million hours of volunteer time across eight decades to help keep Ohioans safe. The Auxiliary accepts applications from Ohioans through age 57.
To apply as either a regular Auxiliary officer or for the Auxiliary Cadet program, go to our site’s recruiting page.