Gov. DeWine orders flags lowered in tribute to fallen officer

ORIENT — Flags across Ohio have been lowered to pay tribute to Lieutenant Rodney Osborne who was fatally shot during a training exercise Tuesday at the Corrections Training Academy in Pickaway County.

Osborne was training at the tactical firing range just before 11:30 a.m. when the incident occurred.

“It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I confirm that one of our staff, Lt. Rodney Osborne from the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility, was fatally shot during a training exercise at our Corrections Training Academy,” JoEllen Smith, Communications Chief at Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, posted Tuesday to the ODRC’s webpage.

Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating the incident. ODRC has not commented on the specifics of what happened.

Osborne had served with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction for 13 years and was assigned to the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility, serving on the honor guard, special response team, and the statewide special tactics and response team. In the week prior to his death, he had received Employee of the Year recognition. Osborne is survived by his wife and children.

“Lt. Osborne was a beloved 13-year employee at SOCF. He was on SOCF’s honor guard, SRT, and the statewide STAR team. His SOCF family named him their employee of the year just last week. This appears to have been a tragic accident, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating,” Smith said. “We ask that you keep Lt. Osborne’s wife, children, loved ones, and team members in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. “

In honor of Osborne’s life and service, Governor Mike DeWine ordered the flags of the United States and the state of Ohio to be flown at half-staff starting Wednesday upon all Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction facilities now until sunset on the day of his funeral.

Smith said the Ohio State Highway Patrol Member Support Team and the ODRC Employee Support Teams have been activated and have been with ODRC staff throughout the day.