PORTSMOUTH — Trooper Ryan E. Robirds was promoted to the rank of sergeant by Colonel Paul A. Pride, patrol superintendent, during a ceremony at the Patrol’s Academy.

Robirds will transfer from his current assignment at the Ironton Post to serve as an assistant post commander at the Portsmouth Post.

Robirds began his patrol career in March 2006 as a member of the 146th Academy Class. He earned his commission in October of that year and is assigned to the Ironton Post. While at the Ironton Post, he earned the Criminal Patrol Award in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2015. He earned the Ace Award for excellence in auto larceny enforcement in 2008. He earned the Blue Max Award and was selected as Post Trooper of the Year 2010.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is an internationally accredited agency whose mission is to protect life and property, promote traffic safety and provide professional public safety services with respect, compassion, and unbiased professionalism.