JACKSON, Ohio — Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Nicholas L. Thornton has been named the Jackson Post’s 2026 Trooper of the Year, the patrol announced.
Thornton, 32, was chosen by his fellow troopers in recognition of his service throughout 2026 at the Jackson Post, with peers citing his work attitude, leadership abilities, community engagement and professionalism with supervisors, peers and the public, according to the patrol. The honor comes the same week the patrol’s Chillicothe Post named its own 2026 Trooper of the Year.
Thornton is now in contention for the District and State Trooper of the Year awards, which the patrol said will be announced at a later date.
He has received the patrol’s Criminal Patrol Award in 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2025, the ACE Award in 2019, and Master Trooper Recognition in 2026, according to the release.
Thornton joined the Ohio State Highway Patrol in 2016 as a member of the 160th Academy Class and has served at the Xenia, Chillicothe and Jackson posts, the patrol said. He served in the U.S. Army from 2012 to 2015, with postings at Camp Casey, South Korea, and Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
Thornton attended Southeastern High School in Ross County and lives in Chillicothe, according to the patrol.
The information contained in this story was obtained from the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
