COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Public Safety recognized five employees in Columbus on Nov. 10 as recipients of the agency’s 2026 Military Service Award.
The annual recognition honors department personnel for their military service and continued commitment to public safety in observance of Veterans Day.
The state department currently employs approximately 600 military veterans among its workforce of nearly 4,000 employees.
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The honor highlights workers who demonstrate dedication to their communities, the state of Ohio and the nation through both armed forces service and public safety careers, according to agency officials.
This year’s recipients are:
- Ed Burkhammer of the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services
- Dakota Coniglio of Ohio State Highway Patrol
- Michael Grant of Ohio State Highway Patrol
- Bryan Sponaugle of the Ohio State Highway Patrol
- Mike Staff of the Ohio Emergency Management Agency.
Each employee was recognized for military service and professional contributions to state safety operations.
Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Benjamin Suver praised the honorees and highlighted the role of veteran employees across the department.
“Veterans bring a unique and invaluable sense of duty, leadership and selfless service to our organization and their dedication reflects the very best of our mission and our values,” Suver said. “We are proud to honor this year’s Military Service Award recipients and grateful for the contributions of all veterans who continue to serve Ohio’s citizens through their work at the Department of Public Safety.”
Ohio Secretary of State and newly elected Auditor of State Frank LaRose delivered the keynote address during the ceremony.
Representatives from the Franklin County Recorder’s Office were present at the event to assist attending veterans with registering and renewing county-issued Veteran ID cards.
The ceremony follows Veterans Day, an annual observance that originated on Nov. 11, 1919.
That date marked the first anniversary of the end of World War I, establishing a tradition of reflecting on the sacrifices and achievements of individuals who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
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