JACKSON, Ohio — Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Nicholas L. Thornton, who lives in Chillicothe, has been named the Jackson Post’s 2026 Trooper of the Year, the Patrol announced.
Thornton, 32, was chosen by his fellow troopers at the post, who pointed to his work attitude, leadership abilities, community engagement and professionalism with supervisors, peers and the public.
Thornton attended Southeastern High School in Ross County and now calls Chillicothe home. He joined the Patrol in 2016 as a member of the 160th Academy Class and has served at the Xenia, Chillicothe and Jackson posts.
He served in the U.S. Army from 2012 to 2015, with postings at Camp Casey in South Korea and Fort Campbell in Kentucky.
It is not his first recognition. Thornton has earned the Patrol’s Criminal Patrol Award in 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2025, the ACE Award in 2019, and Master Trooper Recognition in 2026.
With the post honor, Thornton is now in the running for the Jackson District and State Trooper of the Year awards, which the Patrol will announce at a later date.
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