City of Hilliard Police Sgt. Jared Zellers has been named the American Legion Post 614 Law Officer of the Year in recognition of his service to the community.
Sgt. Zellers, who joined HPD in 2011, served Hilliard as a patrol officer and detective before being promoted to sergeant in 2020.
Throughout his career, Sgt. Zellers has been involved in many critical cases. Last year, he was among the first officers to arrive on scene in response to an unconscious infant. He assisted in life-saving attempts on the child, and then assisted in what became a homicide case.
His public service stretches beyond law enforcement.
A Pataskala native, Zellers joined the Ohio Air National Guard while still in high school and served as a security forces member, with several deployments during his 12 years of service. Notably, he was deployed to Afghanistan for six months immediately after completing HPD’s field training.
Members of Post 614 presented Sgt. Zellers with the recognition this week. The Post seeks out law enforcement officers who “demonstrate good character, and who hold themselves to the highest standards of professionalism by going above and beyond the call of duty.”
He was nominated for the award by his supervisor, Lt. Tyler Harris.
“Whether it is planned training or a debrief after the shift dealt with a particular situation, he finds ways to make himself and his people better,” Lt. Harris said. “He understands the vital role he plays as a first-line supervisor and does not take it lightly.”
