Haas retires as OSHP post commander

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

For nearly 25 years, Lt. Ray Haas has served the Ohio State Highway Patrol — and the public. Service comes naturally to Haas, who has been serving others for most of his life, as those who attended his retirement reception on Friday confirmed.

Haas, commander of the Van Wert Patrol Post for the past three years, was assistant post commander at Van Wert for 15 years after being promoted to sergeant in 1994

Haas, a Conneaut native, was a former Seabee for the U.S. Navy, retiring from the Naval reserve as a Chief Warrant Officer 4, prior to becoming a state trooper, and his military construction background has been put to good use helping co-workers with building projects.

His unselfishness was attested to over and over by those who came to Friday’s packed reception. Those who attended included retired Patrol troopers and officers, local police and sheriff’s deputies and family and friends.

Captain David Gillespie, former Van Wert post commander, talked about how Haas was driving by his house one day while he was attempting to put together play equipment for his children. Haas not only stopped, but came back later and helped Gillespie put the equipment together.

“Ray not only has served the citizens of Ohio for more than 24 years, he also served the citizens of this nation for at least as long,” Gillespie said, adding, “The bottom line is, Ray Haas exemplifies what it is that makes our organization great.”

Hass, a graduate of the 1988 Class of the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy was presented a certificate of appreciation from the Patrol, as did his wife, Kim, a nurse at the Van Wert County Health Department, and Haas certificates of appreciation.

Ohio Governor John Kasich and Lieutenant Governor Mary Taylor also signed a certificate of appreciation, which was also presented to Haas during the reception.

Staff Lieutenant Gene Smith, also a former Van Wert post commander, talked about how Haas brought him an electric generator at his new house when the power went out in the county during an ice storm in 2005, while Haas’ brother talked about how Haas drove to Conneaut on weekends for several years to help him build a new house.

Haas got the biggest laugh of the day when he said that, just because he was retiring, didn’t mean he would have more time to help people on their projects. He ended things on a more serious note, though.

“I’m really tickled to death that so many people showed up,” Haas said. “It’s been an honor to work for the highway patrol … I still love it.

“It’s been going to be hard to leave,” he added, “but I’m looking forward to what’s going on tomorrow.”

Lt. Haas (left) listens as Captain David Gillespie honors him for his more than 24 years of service to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.