IRONTON — Trooper Ryan E. Robirds of the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Ironton Post was honored with the Criminal Patrol Award at ceremonies held at the patrol’s Training Academy Monday.

Col. David W. Dicken, Patrol superintendent, presented Robirds with the fourth Criminal Patrol Award of his career.

The Criminal Patrol Award is for excellence in felony enforcement and is given yearly to those who open at least 12 felony cases.

So far this year Robirds has opened 12 felony cases, resulting in 12 arrests, to earn this award for 2010.

His cases include three drug cases and two receiving stolen property cases. A certificate and uniform ribbon were presented to him.

Robirds joined the patrol in March 2006 as a member of the 146th academy class. He received his commission in October 2006 and was assigned to his current position at the Ironton Post.

In 2008 he earned the Ace Award for excellence in auto larceny enforcement for recovering stolen vehicles and apprehending suspects in connection with the thefts.