Two employees at the Bowling Green Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol have been selected for 2018 Leadership Awards today.
Dispatcher Tara J. Barnhart, of the Bowling Green Dispatch Center, earned statewide honors as the 2018 Dispatcher of the Year. She was selected from nine District Dispatchers of the Year across the state. Her calm demeanor, positive attitude and commitment to service distinguished her from the other nominees.
Communications professionals are often the first point of contact for the public when need arises. Barnhart strives to provide the highest level of service to the public, her co-workers and the troopers on her shift. She garnered praise for her teamwork.
Barnhart joined the Patrol in March 2006 as a member of the 146th Academy Class. She earned her commission in October of that year and was assigned to the Defiance Post. As a trooper, she also served at the Findlay Post. In 2015, she transferred to the Findlay District Headquarters as a dispatcher. In 2017, she earned the Gold Star Award. As a dispatcher, she also served at the Bowling Green Dispatch Center.
Trooper Willie E. Richardson, of the Bowling Green Post, was honored with the Robert M. Chiaramonte Humanitarian Award, which recognizes officers dedicated to humanitarian causes on the highway and in their communities.
Richardson is involved in educational endeavors and serves as a presenter for the Ohio State Bar Association’s Continuing Legal Education Program on commercial transportation law. He volunteers and is an active faculty member with Nationwide’s Trail Division Trucking School. The school teaches lawyers from across the United States about the DOT commercial motor vehicle inspection process.
Richardson believes in service to others, which is often displayed through his selfless acts. He has purchased spare tires, tanks of gas and bus tickets for individuals who were having financial issues.
His deep faith is exhibited in his missional membership in Cedar Creek Church where he regularly serves as a leader of security during weekend services. He serves as a Ministry Leader of Cedar Creek’s West Campus Celebrate Recovery Program – a Christian based 12-step recovery program that helps anyone that is having issues with hurts, habits and hang-ups.
Richardson joined the Patrol in May 1990 as a member of the 120th Academy Class. He earned his commission in March of the following year and was assigned to the Swanton Post. In 2007, he earned the Criminal Patrol Award. In 2012, he was selected as Commercial Motor Vehicle Inspector of the Year. As a trooper, he also served at the Granville, Toledo and Bowling Green posts, and Findlay District Commercial Enforcement Unit.
