A Hilliard police detective was among five Ohio law enforcement officers recognized Tuesday at a Columbus Clippers baseball game as part of Law Enforcement and Light Ohio Blue Kickoff night.
Detective Brandon Long, who has served as a City of Hilliard Division of Police officer since 2011, was honored at the start of the game.
The event was held in conjunction with National Police Week.
Detective Long is a familiar face in the Hilliard community. A 1998 graduate of Hilliard Davidson High School, he has served in various roles with the Division, including as a patrol officer, member of the crash investigation team, traffic safety officer, and criminal investigator.
“Coach Brandon” is a community advocate and coach for the Hilliard Bobcats Special Olympics, and currently serves as the State Director of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Ohio.
Law enforcement officers were selected for the recognition for on and off-duty efforts to make their communities an amazing place to live, work, and raise families, said Bill Swank, Light Ohio Blue founder.
Detective Long has participated in agency programs such as National Night Out, Citizens Police Academy, Shop with A Cop, and Safety Town — where he is a favorite among the children for his take on “Retro Bill.” He is the organizer of the Amazing Abilities Open House, formerly known as the Autism Awareness Open House, scheduled this year for July 15.
He has a bachelor’s degree in criminology and Spanish, and a master’s degree in sociology, both from Ohio University, and interned at the psychology department at a prison in Mexico.
He has completed Crisis Intervention Team Core Training (CIT), is a member of the Mid-Ohio Critical Incident Stress Management team and has participated in Critical Incident Stress Management, gaining awareness to better assist others, including fellow officers, in crisis.
Detective Long has received many awards in his career, including the Community Service Award from the Hilliard Optimist Club, an Achievement Citation Award for his involvement arresting a burglar with a long criminal history, the Hometown Hero Award from Sunny 95, and the Division’s Community Service Award.
He is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.
