Ohio State Highway Patrol held its annual Leadership Award ceremony, recognizing dozens of state and district winners for their contributions.
The 2022 State Trooper of the Year was awarded to Dana Skinner of the Toledo Post.
Trooper Skinner joined OHP in October 2001 as a member of the 138th Academy Class. She is a leader among her peers at the Toledo Post in many aspects, including seatbelt compliance and removing impaired drivers from roadways.
She has dedicated her career to creating positive relationships and encounters with those she interacts with throughout her daily operations.
As a leader in functional activity at the post, she uses those contacts to educate the motoring public to exercise safe driving practices. She does not simply issue a citation or a warning and move on with her day, instead, she engages in conversation with the motorist to ensure they understand the violation while providing education.
During 2022, Trooper Skinner initiated or responded to 1,440 calls for service. She is one of the leaders in seatbelt enforcement at the Toledo Post, issuing 211 seatbelt citations and seven child safety seat citations, potentially saving hundreds of lives on Ohio roadways by reinforcing the importance of wearing a safety belt. Her enthusiasm for traffic safety is contagious.
In addition, she plays an active part in removing impaired drivers and drugs from our roadways before they affect the community.
Trooper Skinner is the true definition of a team player, and she emulates that quality each day she works.
