From OHIO STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Nathanael T. Downer has been selected as the 2026 Trooper of the Year at the Bowling Green post.
The selection of Downer is in recognition of outstanding service during 2026. Fellow officers stationed at the Bowling Green post chose Downer based on his leadership abilities, professional ethics, courteous treatment of others, enthusiastic work attitude, and cooperation with supervisors, peers, and the public.
Downer is now in contention for the District and State Trooper of the Year Awards to be announced later.
Downer joined the OSHP in 2024 as a member of the 174th academy class. A graduate of Lima City Schools, Downer also graduated from Southern New Hampshire University. He served in the Navy from 2007 to 2014 and in the Air Force from 2014 to 2021. Downer serves as a field training officer and has also been awarded the division’s physical fitness, safe driving, marksmanship, and criminal patrol awards.
Downer resides in Carey with his wife, Carly, and their two children.
