BUCYRUS, Ohio — The Ohio State Highway Patrol has named Trooper Sarah J. Kliesch as the 2023 Bucyrus Post Trooper of the Year. Kliesch, 33, was recognized by her peers for her leadership, professional ethics, job knowledge, performance, and service to the public.

This is the first time Kliesch, a native of Upper Sandusky and resident of Wyandot County, has received the award. She graduated from the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy in 2013 and transferred to the Bucyrus Post in 2018. Kliesch, who also studied nursing at Owens Community College, has been awarded the Criminal Patrol Award once for her performance in felony apprehensions.

Kliesch is active in community events, including 4-H, FFA, Junior Fair Board, and Farm Bureau. She lives in Wyandot County with her husband, Dillon, and son, Kolter.

In related news, Dispatcher Heather Kanouse was selected for the 2023 Ohio State Highway Patrol Telecommunications Award at the Bucyrus Dispatch Center. Kanouse, a Plymouth native and Crestline resident, was recognized for her technical job knowledge, work attitude, and prompt and courteous response to public requests. She joined the highway patrol in 2016.