Sgt. Justin Cramer, an Ohio Air National Guard veteran, has been recognized for his public service as the Hilliard Memorial VFW Post 4931 Officer of the Year.
Cramer joined the City of Hilliard Division of Police in 2011. He has served in several capacities, including as a patrol officer, bike officer, field training officer, honor guard member, and an instructor in defensive tactics, taser, and legal updates.
He was promoted to sergeant in 2015, serving in patrol and the special investigations unit, which he currently supervises. Under his leadership, the unit has investigated cases of violent crime, human trafficking, and drug trafficking, seizing nearly 200 firearms, significant quantities of dangerous drugs, and nearly $1 million in illegal proceeds.
As a member of the National Guard, Staff Sergeant Cramer was assigned to the 180th Fighter Wing and served as an F-16 mechanic. He was deployed to Iraq in 2006 as part of Operation Enduring Freedom and volunteered at the Balad Air Base hospital during his off-duty hours.
In 2023, he volunteered as a guardian for the Findlay-based Flag City Honor Flight, calling it “one of the most humbling and rewarding experiences of my life.”
Sgt. Cramer has a bachelor’s degree in education from Bowling Green State University and is pursuing a master’s degree in criminal justice. He is also a graduate of the Police Executive Leadership College (PELC) and the Command Leadership Institute (CLI).
He was nominated for the award by his peer, Sgt. Chad Wood.
“Sgt. Cramer is a hard-working sergeant and a great team leader who has built respected working relationships with federal and local agencies,” Wood said. “The work product that he and his team produce is a testament to his leadership.”
The Post will recognize Cramer as an organization during its Steak Fry event later this year.
