Police officers are often recognized for their bravery and dedication to protecting the public. The true impact of law enforcement, however, can go far beyond the badge. In Hilliard, one officer doesn’t just enforce the law — he is shaping lives.
Officer Michael Deaton has served with the City of Hilliard Division of Police for more than 25 years, leaving a lasting mark on the City and its people. One community member in particular, Brandon Puhlman, credits Deaton with changing his life.
Puhlman met Deaton as a freshman at Hilliard Darby High School in 1999. At the time, Deaton served as the School Resource Officer, responsible for student safety and crime prevention within the school district. In the 13 years Deaton spent in this role, he encountered thousands of students, often when they were involved in conflict.
Puhlman was one of these students.
“I was the class clown,” Puhlman said. “I made the teachers laugh. Deaton knew I was a good kid, but I was doing stupid stuff. I was just a dumb teenager.”
Later in his high school career, Puhlman had a minor indiscretion with law enforcement — handled by Deaton — that caused him to change his course. Instead of going to college, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served for a decade. After he returned home, Puhlman enrolled in the police academy and became an officer himself, inspired by Deaton’s example.
“I always go back to how Deaton handled me,” Puhlman said. “He didn’t belittle me — he spoke to me like I was a human. The most powerful tool of a law enforcement officer is their mouth; it’s not their gun. It’s their empathy, their ability to communicate, and their ability to connect with people. That’s how I became an effective police officer myself.”
Now, Puhlman is the CEO of Bravo Foxtrot, a cutting-edge technology company that helps law enforcement reduce administrative burdens by predicting and preventing criminal activities. According to Puhlman, none of this would be possible without Deaton’s words of wisdom.
“I spoke to Deaton the other day,” Puhlman said. “He is still the exact same person I spoke to 23 years ago. He has the same heart and commitment to the community. He’s a rarity in law enforcement.”
Deaton continues to inspire and connect with Hilliard in his current role as Community Engagement Officer. Deaton ensures all residents are informed and their voices are being heard.
“I care. I care about you, and I care about what you did and where this might lead you,” Deaton said. “You can always knock on my door any time to talk. I always try to have an open door for anyone in the community.”
In a profession often defined by action, Deaton’s legacy is rooted in connection, trust, and the lives he’s changed — one conversation at a time.
