Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Cathy Collins-Taylor today announced the appointment of Capt. David Dicken, 48, of Hilliard to serve as the 16th Superintendent of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, effective Jan. 4, 2010. Dicken succeeds Interim Superintendent Capt. Kevin Teaford, who has led the Patrol since the Sept. 18 retirement of the Patrol’s 15th Superintendent Col. Richard Collins.

Dicken, a 19-year veteran of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, currently serves as Executive Officer of the Office of Finance and Logistic Services and is responsible for the preparation, implementation and management of the Patrol’s biennial operating budget, as well as the biennial capital budget. He has worked in various capacities with the Office of Finance and Logistic Services since 2000, previously serving as Executive Officer and Commander of Fiscal Services unit.

“As the Ohio State Highway Patrol looks toward a future where efficiency is essential as it strives to meet its mission, it must have a leader who has a firm understanding of the fiscal and operational challenges that lie ahead. With his significant fiscal background and more than a decade of field experience, Capt. David Dicken has distinguished himself as a leader with vision and a comprehensive plan for the Patrol and its future,” Director Collins-Taylor said. “In making this decision, it was the totality of the candidates’ experience, background and qualifications that was essential to the selection. With a full understanding of David’s background and the strengths that he brings to this leadership position, it is clear that he is the most qualified officer to serve as the next leader of this internationally recognized law enforcement agency.”

He began his career with the Ohio State Highway Patrol in 1990 as a trooper, and was a member of the 120th Cadet Class of the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy. He is a graduate of The University of Cincinnati and the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety School of Police Staff and Command.