Ohio Highway Patrol Promotes Three Lorain County Troopers
Alan Dunbar, Joran Cottom and Justin Lister were promoted to captain and sergeant ranks between August and October.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in People
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The Ohio State Highway Patrol promoted three veteran troopers who served in Lorain County, with Justin Lister advancing to sergeant on August 23, Joran Cottom to sergeant on September 20, and Alan Dunbar to captain on October 18.
Why it matters
The promotions move experienced Lorain County troopers into supervisory and command roles across the state's patrol structure. Dunbar's assignment to lead the Bucyrus District Headquarters shifts leadership in that district.
Dunbar joined the Highway Patrol in 2007 and holds six Criminal Patrol Awards, while Cottom has been a trooper since 2000 and was named post trooper of the year twice. Lister, at the Elyria post since 2013, is also a two-time post trooper of the year.
The players
Ohio State Highway Patrol
The state law enforcement agency responsible for traffic enforcement and criminal patrol across Ohio's highways.
Alan Dunbar
A veteran Ohio State Highway Patrol officer who has worked across several posts in northern Ohio since joining in 2007.
Joran Cottom
A longtime Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper who has served in Lorain County and now leads Polygraph Unit operations as assistant commander.
Justin Lister
An Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper assigned to the Elyria post since 2013 who has earned two post trooper of the year honors.
The details
Dunbar was promoted to sergeant in 2013, lieutenant in 2019 and staff lieutenant in 2021 before his captain promotion, and he received the Ace Award for auto theft enforcement. Cottom, who earned an associate degree from Lorain County Community College in 1998, was made a master trooper in 2024 and remains in the Polygraph Unit as its assistant commander. Lister remains at the Elyria post as assistant commander.
Timeline
August 23, 2026: Justin Lister promoted to sergeant.
September 20, 2026: Joran Cottom promoted to sergeant.
October 18, 2026: Alan Dunbar promoted to captain and assigned to command the Bucyrus District Headquarters.
Roadmap
The promotions place experienced troopers into the Ohio State Highway Patrol's district and post command structure, which is organized around district headquarters such as Bucyrus. Dunbar's appointment to command that headquarters continues a pattern of moving veteran field officers into leadership roles.
For Ohio residents, the promotions mean the Bucyrus District Headquarters now has a new commander, which could affect how patrol resources are allocated in that district. The changes do not alter traffic enforcement rules or how troopers interact with drivers.
The takeaway
Career advancement in public safety agencies often reflects years of field experience combined with specialized training and recognition. Tracking leadership changes at the district level can help readers understand how state agencies are structured.
Further reading
Explore more People coverage to see other leadership and career moves.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chroniclet.
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