Canton Trooper Evan M. Hill selected as Ohio State Trooper of the Year

Trooper Evan M. Hill, Canton Post, earned top honors as the 2023 State Trooper of the Year for the Ohio State Highway Patrol. He was selected from nine District Troopers of the Year across the state.

Trooper Hill was selected by his peers for his efforts and dedication to the Patrol’s mission of Service with a Purpose. He strives to make Stark County safer by using traffic stops to educate the public in a professional manner. He also looks beyond the traffic stop to ensure that any criminal activity is addressed. He became a Drug Recognition Expert in 2019 and shares his knowledge with his fellow troopers; because of this, his shifts lead the post in OVI enforcement, criminal patrol and stolen vehicle recoveries.

Trooper Hill initiated 16 felony criminal arrest case investigations and seized seven illegal weapons. He also recovered six stolen vehicles valued at $133,000. Throughout the year, he made 142 OVI arrests and investigated 43 crashes. Trooper Hill had 99 safety belt and 17 distracted driving enforcements. He maintains the highest quality while generating a large number of enforcements. He’s known by his peers as a reliable teammate who leads by example and has earned the respect of those he works for through his sound decision-making skills. He always maintains a professional image for himself and the Patrol. He volunteers for community details such as Can the Cruiser, Ronald McDonald Basketball Charity Events and donates his time teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Trooper Hill comes from a legacy of outstanding officers; his grandfather, Patrolman Morris Hill, was named Policeman of the Year of the Warren Police Department in 1969. His father, Ohio State Highway Patrol retired Captain Marvin Hill, was selected as the 1999 State Trooper of the Year. 

Trooper Hill became a member of the 160^th Academy Class in April 2016. He earned his commission in September of that year and was assigned to the Canton Post, where he has served his entire career. He has earned the ACE Award for excellence in auto larceny enforcement two times and the Criminal Patrol Award four times.