Wapakoneta Post Names Zachary Deitering 2026 Trooper of the Year

WAPAKONETA — Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Zachary M. Deitering has been selected as the 2026 Trooper of the Year at the Wapakoneta Post.

Deitering, 31, was selected by fellow employees in recognition of his outstanding service during 2026.

The Patrol said Deitering was chosen for his demonstrated leadership, professional ethics, courteous treatment of others, positive work attitude and exceptional cooperation with supervisors, fellow employees and the public.

As the Wapakoneta Post recipient, Deitering will now be considered for the District and State Trooper of the Year awards. Those recipients will be announced at a later date.

Deitering joined the Ohio State Highway Patrol in 2016 and has served at the Wapakoneta Post throughout his career.

A Wapakoneta native and graduate of Wapakoneta High School, Deitering has received the Patrol’s Health and Physical Fitness Award and Safe Driving Award.

He also serves as a field training officer, mentoring new troopers and helping prepare future members of the Patrol.

Deitering and his wife, Rachael, live in Wapakoneta.