State patrol honors pair at Van Wert post

VAN WERT — Winners of the trooper and dispatcher of the year at the Van Wert post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol were announced Friday. Trooper Thomas J. Arnott was named the 2026 Trooper of the Year at the post. The selection in recognition of Arnott’s outstanding service during 2026 and was based on his leadership abilities, professional ethics, courteous treatment of others, enthusiastic work attitude, and cooperation with supervisors, peers and the public, the announcement said. Originally from Michigan, Arnott joined the patrol in 2017. He is a graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio, where he earned a degree in diesel technology. Arnott serves as a field training officer and has been awarded the patrol’s physical fitness and safe driving awards. Arnott and his family reside in Mercer County. Radio Dispatcher Melissa D. Vermillion was selected as the 2026 Dispatcher of the Year at the Van Wert Dispatch Center. Vermillion joined the patrol in 2016. She is a graduate of Ba