Christopher B. Jackson named Elyria post 2026 Trooper of the Year

State Highway Patrol Trooper Christopher B. Jackson has been selected as the 2026 trooper of the year at the Elyria post. The selection of Jackson, 25, of Lorain, "recognizes his outstanding service during 2026 at the Elyria post," his commander, Lt. Ray Santiago, said in a news release. Fellow troopers chose Jackson for his leadership abilities, professional ethics, courteous treatment of others, enthusiastic work attitude and cooperation with supervisors, peers and the public, Santiago wrote. The selection puts Jackson in contention for the district trooper of the year and state trooper of the year awards, which will be announced at a later date. Jackson has shown "a strong commitment" to road safety including removing impaired drivers from the road and is consistently among the top troopers in impaired-driving enforcement within the patrol's Cleveland District and across the state, according to the news release. Jackson earned the Highway Patrol's Criminal Patrol Award in 2024 and 2026 for starting felony investigations, primarily involving drug and weapons offenses. A graduate of Elyria Catholic High School where he was a student-athlete, Jackson "brings a unique perspective when speaking with young people about decision-making, career opportunities and personal growth," the news release said. A lifelong Lorain County resident, Jackson joined the Highway Patrol in 2022 and was assigned to the Elyria post upon graduation from the Highway Patrol Academy.