CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — The Circleville Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol has named Trooper Dusty Turner as its 2025 Trooper of the Year, recognizing his leadership, professionalism and dedication to both the patrol and his community.
Turner was selected by his fellow troopers and post leadership for his operational skills, administrative support and the example he sets on and off duty.
“Trooper Dusty Turner embodies the Ohio State Highway Patrol core values and is a trusted member of the Circleville Post,” said Lt. Shad Caplinger, Circleville Post commander. “Dusty serves with pride and is appreciated for his service to the great state of Ohio and to our country as an Air Force veteran. He can be counted on daily for his leadership and willingness to take on additional responsibilities.”
In addition to earning Trooper of the Year honors, Turner received the patrol’s health and physical fitness award, a safe driving award and multiple letters of commendation. In May 2025, he achieved the rank of Master Trooper.
From Chillicothe to the Patrol
Turner grew up on the south side of Chillicothe and is a graduate of Chillicothe High School. He later attended Pickaway-Ross Career & Technology Center, studying computer support, technology and network design — a path that didn’t initially point toward law enforcement.
After working various jobs, including warehouse and factory work, Turner enlisted in the United States Air Force at age 19. He served four years on active duty, including time stationed in Florida and multiple overseas deployments. Over the course of his military career, Turner transitioned from aircraft mechanic to flight engineer on the C-130 and now serves as a Master Sergeant and biomedical equipment technician, working on critical medical equipment for military operations. He has dedicated 19 years to military service.
Though he traveled extensively and saw much of the country — and the world — Turner said home ultimately called him back to southern Ohio.
“I’ve been to a lot of beautiful places,” Turner said. “But family is here. That’s what brought me back.”
A Second Chance at the Academy
Turner first entered the Highway Patrol academy in 2013 but left two weeks in to fulfill a long-awaited military training opportunity. After completing more than a year of specialized flight engineering training across multiple states, he returned to Ohio and eventually re-applied.
In 2016, he graduated from the patrol academy and began his career in Wapakoneta before transferring to Circleville. He later spent time at the Chillicothe Post before returning to Circleville in February 2020, where he has remained since.
Turner credits the camaraderie at the Circleville Post as one of the main reasons he chose to return.
“We’re like a big family here,” he said. “If something’s going on at home and you need to leave, the guys have your back. And you do the same for them.”
A Team Effort
While honored by the recognition, Turner was quick to credit his fellow troopers.
“This post takes care of each other,” he said. “We all have our specialties. There are a lot of people here who are well-deserving.”
He pointed to fellow troopers who led the region in OVI arrests and others who stepped up during staffing shortages, particularly on the night shift. Turner described the award as a reflection of the entire post’s effort rather than an individual achievement.
The Circleville Post works closely with local agencies, including the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office and police departments in Circleville, South Bloomfield, and Commercial Point. Turner said cooperation between agencies is critical.
“We’re all out here doing the same job,” he said. “The goal is handling our business and going home to our families at night.”
Why He Wears the Badge
For Turner, the job is about more than enforcement — it’s personal.
Every traffic stop, crash investigation, and patrol shift is carried out with one thought in mind: keeping families safe.
“I’m out here slowing people down because if someone’s distracted and hits my family one day, I couldn’t live with that,” he said. “That’s why I do what I do.”
Turner lives in Ross County with his family. He is currently in the promotion process and is also certified for the patrol’s motorcycle unit and aviation, with hopes of expanding his service if opportunities become available.
For now, he says he’s right where he belongs.
“I enjoy doing this job every day,” Turner said. “Every day is different. I’ll be here until they tell me I have to go home.”
