Ulmer Award
The OSHP Auxiliary’s highest honor is the Earl Ulmer Award, in memory of Auxiliary Patrolman Earl Ulmer, who lost his life in July 1953 in Lowell, Ohio, while assisting Troopers during a crash investigation. This award is presented to Auxiliaries in recognition of an occurrence of outstanding service, courage, valor, or heroism in connection with accomplishing the goals and mission of the Auxiliary.
Recent Ulmer Award Recipients
William T. Bucher
In 2005 Aux. Officer William T. Bucher received the Ulmer Meritorious Service Award for his actions while on patrol with Trooper Darius Roberts, during which they responded to a pursuit. When the pursuit ended the suspect exited his car waving a weapon at the responding officers. Troopers fired on the suspect and Trooper Tiffany Appollonio was struck by a bullet. Auxiliary Bucher immediately went to the radio and advised that a Trooper had been shot and requested medical assistance. He then went to Trooper Appollonio and performed first aid until the medics arrived. Trooper Appollonio recovered completely thanks to the assistance of Auxiliary Bucher. Auxiliary Bucher was assigned to the Delaware Post until his retirement in 2013 as an Auxiliary Captain.
Alex M. Pavluck
Auxiliary Lt. Alex M. Pavluck of Athens received the Ulmer Award and a Patrol Certificate of Recognition for his assistance to victims of a lightning strike. On June 22, 2006, a group of law enforcement officers and supporters were making their way from Athens to Lancaster as part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics when they stopped for a break at a school in Hocking County. Lightning struck the group, causing injury to nine participants, including two who were critically injured. Though suffering personal effects from the strike, Aux. Lt. Pavluck and other members of the group immediately took action to perform CPR and provide aid to those with life threatening injuries. The quick action of Pavluck and the others at the scene saved the lives of the two most seriously injured victims.
Tom Dittoe
Auxiliary Sergeant Thomas Dittoe of the Lancaster Post earned the Ulmer Award and a Patrol Certificate of Recognition for his life-saving efforts at the scene of a crash on May 27, 2012. On that date, Sgt. Dittoe and Trooper Butch Wilson were patrolling State Route 668 in Perry County when they came upon a two-vehicle crash involving a 13-year-old riding a minibike. The young man suffered traumatic injuries and was not breathing. Sgt. Dittoe cleared his airway and positioned him for CPR. The young man started breathing normally within a few minutes and was eventually airlifted to Nationwide Children’s Hospital where the team treating him said the emergency care provided at the scene was crucial to his survival. In addition to volunteering with the Patrol’s Auxiliary, Sgt. Dittoe is a captain with Somerset-Reading Township, serving with both the fire and EMS departments.
Chris Scarberry
Aux. Officer Christopher T. Scarberry of the Zanesville Post earned the Ulmer Award and a Patrol Certificate of Recognition for his swift response that saved the life of an infant boy who had stopped breathing on August 20, 2013. Tpr. J.A. Weaver of the Zanesville Post and Auxiliary Officer Scarberry were on routine patrol on U.S. 22 in Muskingum County, when they attempted to initiate a traffic stop for a speed violation. The vehicle did not stop and continued speeding on U.S. 22 towards the Newton Township Volunteer Fire Department. When the vehicle stopped, Tpr. Weaver made contact with the occupants and observed an infant in the vehicle was unresponsive and not breathing. Tpr. Weaver requested emergency medical personnel, while Auxiliary Officer Scarberry, who is an emergency medical technician with Reading Twp. Volunteer Fire Department, assessed the infant. He determined that the infant’s airway was blocked, immediately cleared the airway and began to administer first aid until the infant began to breathe on his own. Aux. Officer Scarberry continued to provide first aid until emergency medical personnel arrived on the scene. The Newton Township Fire Department transported the infant to Good Samaritan Hospital, where he was treated and released. Due to the life-saving actions of Auxiliary Officer Scarberry, the infant survived a terrifying and life threatening event.