Photo Provided State Trooper and Martins Ferry native Chase Watts smiles after receiving an award for his humanitarian efforts.

MARTINS FERRY — Chase Watts, a Martins Ferry native turned Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper, received the Robert A. Chiaramonte award for 2021.

Influenced at a young age by those cars with the flashing lights and police officers’ fancy uniforms, his intrigue stayed with him and now he’s wearing some of those smartly tailored threads with a badge. And he is getting some recognition for all the hard and good-hearted work he’s done.

“I wanted to get into law enforcement since a young age,” Watts said, responding to a series of questions via email. “I was always intrigued by the uniforms and patrol cars. The majority of the officers I came in contact with carried themselves well and took the time to tell me about the profession.”

That was his motivation and since 2010, he’s worked at three levels of law enforcment — city, county and state. Watts said a federal opportunity did come up, but the joy of community work won out.

“I did not feel I would have the time to continue my community outreach efforts,” he said. “That meant more to me.”

Chiaramonte, who died in 2014 at the age of 94, was patrol superintendent from 1965-75. The award is named in honor of his leadership and humanitarian achievements, Watts said.

“This award is given once a year and recognizes officers dedicated to humanitarian causes within their job duties and in their communities,” Watts described. “I have been told numerous times that this is the greatest honor you can receive in the Ohio State Patrol. I can certainly see why. It was an honor itself to be nominated, but to win it is a blessing.”

Watts enjoyed growing up in Ferry and said it was a fun experience. His friends came from all walks of life, and everyone seemed to know each other. He played football and ran track, and those memories still stand out, makingn him want to give a “shout out to Hill Street.”

“Professionally, my goals are to keep educating myself and growing as a leader. I know God has always had a plan for me and what I’ve been able to achieve,” Watts said. “I have to stay humble and ready for the doors He plans on opening for me.”

Watts founded Books with Badges, an elementary reading program that has reached 50,000 students in 22 states.

Chase wants to continue inspiring people with emphasis on the younger generation. And he doesn’t care what their profession is as long as he can be a positive influence.

“I want to continue being the person who can guide and motivate them to reach their goal,” he said. He’s also the youngest of four boys where he comes from a rather large family.

“My brothers have always been a big influence in my life and guiding me as I matured into a man,” he explained. “In my eyes my mom, Deborah Jordan, was the blueprint of hardwood and putting family first. She was truly the backbone of our family and who I owe a lot of my success to.”

If you know my mom, you know she didn’t mess around. She was a go-getter! Unfortunately, this past July my dad passed away. He was a big part of my success, as well as someone who I looked to for guidance.”

Chase said his father was about people and distributing a positive influence towards anyone he met.

“I dedicate this award to my dad, James Watts Sr. He was a big reason for it,” Chase said.