A Minford native has been named the 2026 Trooper of the Year at the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Chillicothe Post.
Trooper Joshua D. Muck, 28, was selected for the honor by his fellow troopers in recognition of his work throughout 2026.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Muck was chosen for his enthusiastic attitude, leadership, community involvement and professionalism with supervisors, fellow officers and the public.
The award could be just the beginning.
Muck is now in contention for the District Trooper of the Year and State Trooper of the Year awards, which will be announced later.
Muck graduated from Minford High School in Scioto County before attending Hocking College, where he earned an associate degree in Wildlife Resource Management.
He joined the Ohio State Highway Patrol in 2021 as a member of the 168th Academy Class and was assigned to the Chillicothe Post following graduation. He has remained there throughout his career.
Muck has already earned several honors during his time with the Patrol.
He received the Criminal Patrol Award in both 2024 and 2026, the ACE Award for auto larceny apprehension in 2023 and an Award of Excellence for auto larceny in 2024.
Now the Minford graduate has another honor to add to the list — and a chance to take the recognition to the district and statewide level.
