Ex-Springfield trooper to lead Ohio Patrol
DeWine appointees to top law-enforcement spots make history.
For the first COLUMBUS — time in state history, the Ohio Highway Patrol’s two highest ranking leaders will be an African-American and a woman.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced Thursday that Lt. Col. Richard Fambro will be the new patrol superintendent.
Fambro’s career started his career in the Miami Valley. His first post assignment was in Dayton and in 1994 he was named post trooper of the year. He transferred to the Springfield post in 1997 and served as assistant post commander.
Maj. Marla Gaskill will be promoted to lieutenant colonel and assistant superintendent.
Fambro and Gaskill both began their careers with the patrol in 1989 as cadets and entered the 119th academy class in January 1990. They each won promotions over the past three decades and have worked in the patrol headquarter operations for more than a decade. Gaskill served as the first female pilot in the patrol’s aviation unit.
Fambro will replace Col. Paul Pride, who retires March 15.
Fambro earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Ohio Dominican University and is scheduled to complete his master’s degree in management from Mount Vernon Nazarene University in May.
Gaskill holds a bachelor of arts degree from Capital University, a master’s in business administration from Franklin University and is currently pursuing a master’s in public administration at Ohio University.
The Ohio Highway Patrol, which has 1,600 officers and 1,000 support staff, provides statewide traffic services, investigates crimes on state-owned property including prisons and provides security for the governor and other dignitaries.