A Hilliard police officer has been named a STAR of law enforcement.
Officer Jeff Long was recognized during the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office STAR awards ceremony on Friday, Nov. 8.
The officers recognized for the “STAR” award are the epitome of a law enforcement officer, according to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. The recipient represents the high ethics and good character, and go above and beyond for the residents within their jurisdiction and Franklin County.
STAR stands for (S) Selflessness, (T) Teamwork, (A) Accountability, and (R) Respect.
Officer Long joined the City of Hilliard Division of Police in 2023 as a lateral transfer and quickly distinguished himself as a leader on the patrol shift, according to Chief Michael Woods. Prior to his service in Hilliard, Officer Long had been a police officer for seven years, serving the communities of Prichard, Ala., and Akron, Ohio.
“His proactive approach to assisting other officers, often without being asked, highlights his commitment to teamwork and his high level of competence,” Chief Woods said. “His calm demeanor and respect for everyone on the team make him a go-to resource for advice and support.”
Officer Long also extends this respect to the community, effectively de-escalating tense situations.
Recently, while responding to a domestic violence and barricade call, he took charge of negotiations with empathy and respect, successfully persuading an individual to reconsider taking his own life, Chief Woods noted.
“Officer Long consistently upholds high standards of accountability, both for himself and his team, always seeking ways to enhance performance,” Chief Woods said. “He embraces every challenge as an opportunity for growth and teaching, driven not by a desire for recognition but by a genuine commitment to selflessly serving both the community and the agency.”
