COLUMBUS, Ohio (AVC News) — Muskingum County Prosecutor Ron Welch was among Ohioans honored Thursday at the annual Ohio Patriot Awards Ceremony hosted by the Ohio Department of Public Safety.
The ceremony recognizes Ohioans for their service to the nation and their communities and is held in connection with the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
ODPS Director Ben Suver recognized employees, military veterans and representatives from law enforcement agencies from across Ohio during the ceremony.
“These awards reflect far more than acknowledgment — they honor the courage, dedication, and selfless commitment of those who consistently put the safety and well-being of others first,” Suver said. “We are proud to celebrate individuals who exemplify the spirit of duty and patriotism.”
Welch was one of 26 individuals recognized during the ceremony. Other recipients included representatives from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations, Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Ohio Homeland Security, Ohio Department of Transportation, local police and sheriff’s departments, fire departments and the U.S. military.
The recipients recognized were:
- Gary Berry, retired federal agent
- Fire Chief Chase Bryan, Truro Township Fire Department
- Cynthia Callender, Ohio Attorney General’s Office
- Chief Donovan Cooper, London Police Department
- Mary Davis, Ohio School Safety Center
- Mark M. Dean, vice president of Rocky Boots and retired U.S. Army major
- Master Chief John DeBolt, United States Navy
- Director Nicole Dehner, Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services
- Ramon Diaz, Ohio Tactical Officers Association
- Matthew J. Donahue, Ohio Attorney General’s Office prosecutor and governor’s chief counsel
- Dr. Lacy Ellis, Tiffin University
- Dana Forney, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations
- Russell Garman, Clark County Sheriff’s Office major (retired) and German Township Police Department
- Sheriff Terry Grice, Medina County Sheriff’s Office
- Battalion Chief Chris Gutman, Columbus Division of Fire
- S/Lt. Molly Harris, Ohio State Highway Patrol
- Major Michael Kemmer, Ohio State Highway Patrol
- George Kral, director of public safety for the city of Toledo
- Sgt. John Kubas, Cleveland Police Department
- Sheriff Jason Landers, Paulding County Sheriff’s Office
- Lt. Col. Charles Linek III, Ohio State Highway Patrol
- Sgt. LeVon R. Morefield, Columbus Division of Police
- Tim Pancher, Ohio Department of Transportation, Arnold Sports
- Director Mark Porter, Ohio Homeland Security
- Sheriff John Swaney, Madison County Sheriff’s Office
- Prosecutor Ron Welch, Muskingum County
During the ceremony, Donald Barker, a retired member of the United States Marine Corps and the Transportation Security Administration, received the 2026 Thomas P. Charles Lifetime Achievement Award.
The award recognizes Barker for his years of service, professionalism and continued commitment to mentoring, educating and strengthening the transportation security field.
Last Updated on September 10, 2026 by AVC News
