TROOPER WINS ACE AWARD

Elyria – Trooper Jeff Kaess of the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Elyria Post was honored with the Ace Award at ceremonies held at the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Training Academy yesterday. Colonel David W. Dicken presented Kaess with the first Ace Award of his career.

The Ace Award is for excellence in auto larceny enforcement. Kaess recovered five stolen vehicles with a combined value of $50,975 and apprehended five suspects in connection with the thefts. A certificate, uniform ribbon, and Ace license plates for display on his cruiser were presented to him.

Kaess joined the Patrol in February 2000 as a member of the 135th Academy Class. He earned his commission in September of that year and was assigned to the Sandusky Post. In January 2003 he transferred to his current assignment at the Elyria Post. Kaess also received the Criminal Patrol Award in 2005, 2006, and 2007 for excellence in felony enforcement, given yearly to those who open at least 12 felony cases.

Kaess currently resides in North Ridgeville with his wife, Joy, and children, Jordan, 9, and Jocelyn, 6.