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Hilliard Officers Awarded for Selfless Actions

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Two Hilliard police officers have been recognized by their supervisors for their work in safely capturing a man who was driving recklessly on the freeway’s closed construction lane.

The Hilliard Division of Police received the call during the morning hours on Oct. 9, 2018. Callers told police the man was driving through a construction zone on Interstate 270 near Hayden Run Road, and indicated he was going to jump off a bridge.

Officer Brian Gano and Officer Shane O’Connor, both veteran members of the agency, were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, the officers discovered the man was driving the wrong way on the closed lane of the interstate.

Realizing the severity of the situation, and knowing that if the driver were to drive into oncoming traffic there would be fatal results, Officer Gano used his cruiser to stop the man — diverting the car from three lanes of traffic and immobilizing the vehicle.

At that point, the man exited his vehicle and began to walk toward traffic. Officer O’Connor, who was directly behind Officer Gano, prevented the man from walking into the road. The man was later found to be suffering a mental health crisis, and was taken to a facility for treatment.

“Officer Gano and O’Connor’s selfless actions during this incident indicate an attention to detail and devotion to duty that are in the highest traditions of police work and the highest standards of the Hilliard Division of Police,” said Sergeant John Higgins, who supervises the two officers.

Higgins has recommended the officers receive the agency’s Commendation Award.

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