Colonel Scott B. Radcliffe
Colonel Scott B. Radcliffe can best be characterized
as an administrator who was committed to improving highway safety and the
working conditions of his officers during his term as superintendent and,
indeed, his entire career.
Born June 20, 1904, in Circleville, Colonel Radcliffe did many things to earn a living during the Depression, from training saddle horses to operating a paint store.
Colonel Radcliffe was a graduate of the First Academy Class at Camp Perry in 1933, and was the division's first O. W. Merrell Award winner, having received the award for his life-sustaining actions at an accident scene near Middletown in 1934. He held the position of Findlay district commander for several years prior to transfer ring to General Headquarters as personnel commander in 1953. He later became the first uniformed member to hold the position of assistant superintendent, (having followed Colonel Moritz, a civilian) and was the only remaining member of his training class when elevated to superintendent in 1959.
During his office as superintendent, he changed the district staffing structure to incorporate a line and staff management system and upgraded supervisory ranks at both district and post levels. The system proved more efficient and provided greater pay benefits to officers.
Under Colonel Radcliffe's direction the division progressed in a number of areas and acquired its first helicopter. A chemistry lab was installed at general headquarters and a civilian chemist was hired to aid field personnel with laboratory examination of evidence. During his tenure the 105th General Assembly approved the expenditure of $1.5 million to build the division's long awaited Academy on the state fairgrounds.
Committed to assisting his uniformed officers to do the best possible job in the most efficient way, Colonel Radcliffe gave authority to Auxiliary officers in 1963 to assume desk and dispatcher duties in order to free the patrol officers for road work.
He also founded the Superintendent's Trophy Pistol Shoot in 1962 to recognize the post which achieved the best scoring record over the division's revolver qualification course.
For over 30 years Scott Radcliffe shared in the building and development of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. As superintendent he guided its growth from 1959 to 1964, a task he assumed with enthusiasm, dedication, and the wisdom of a seasoned officer.
Colonel Radcliffe passed away April 13, 1988, at the age of 83. In honor of his contributions and allegiance to the Highway Patrol, the funeral service was conducted at the Academy, the first in its history.