David Rose

COLUMBUS — The Ohio State Highway Patrol announced the recipients of its 2024 Leadership Awards on Friday, including one recognizing a Martins Ferry native.

The Patrol held a ceremony recognizing dozens of state and district award winners for their valuable contributions to Ohio and its communities, it noted in a news release.

Among those receiving recognition were Chief Communications Officer David Rose and Press Secretary Matt Bruning of the Ohio Department of Transportation. Rose, formerly of Martins Ferry, and Bruning were selected for their “outstanding collaboration and commitment to community safety during two high-profile initiatives in 2024,” according to the patrol.

The release notes that on April 8, ODOT’s comprehensive communication efforts surrounding Ohio’s total solar eclipse brought together ODOT, the OSHP and various state partners. Their coordinated efforts before, during and after the eclipse ensured public safety and effective traffic management, avoiding the post-eclipse gridlock other states experienced. In addition, ODOT’s federally funded media campaign for the Move Over-Slow Down program raised awareness about work zone safety, including featuring the OSHP in a series of impactful television and social media ads.

“Their contributions highlight the vital partnership between ODOT and the OSHP in promoting public safety across the state,” the patrol states.

Rose is a 1997 graduate of Martins Ferry High School.

Other award winners in the patrol’s Cambridge District, which includes the St. Clairsville post, are: Sgt. Jeremy L. Border, Zanesville Post (earned the award as a Cambridge Post trooper); Dispatcher Kali Wheeler, St. Clairsville Post; Trooper Trenas M. Weaver, Cambridge District Investigations; Christopher L. Baker (Infrastructure Specialist 2), Cambridge District Headquarters.

In addition, the Motor Carrier Enforcement Inspector of the Year is Inspector William L. Mason of the Cambridge District Commercial Enforcement Unit. He was selected for being the top inspector in total number of commercial inspections in the Cambridge District. He was active in removing illegal narcotics from commercial vehicles, generating five felony drug cases in 2024.