Jason Zylstra, a 2002 graduate of Wayland High School, was named the recipient of the 2015 Motor Carrier Officer of the Year Award by the Michigan State Police.

Zylstra, of the Jackson Post, received the award at a special ceremony in Lansing on Thursday.

The Motor Carrier Officer of the Year Award, sponsored by the Michigan Trucking Association since 1985, recognizes the MSP motor carrier officer who symbolizes outstanding professional ethics, dedication to duty and concern for giving back to their community.

“Officer Zylstra’s reputation of outstanding work performance, commercial vehicle enforcement training, knowledge and commitment to service make him an excellent choice for the Motor Carrier Officer of the Year Award,” MSP Director Etue said.

Zylstra serves as a commercial vehicle safety alliance certified instructor, background investigator and a recruiter for the department. He was also a presenter at the Michigan Traffic Safety Summit last year. Additionally, he serves as a member of the temporary staff for the 20th Motor Carrier Officer Recruit School, which graduates in February.

Zylstra enlisted with the MSP in 2011, graduating as a member of the 17th Motor Carrier Officer Recruit School. He has served at the Jackson Post since graduation.

He is a 10-year combat veteran of the Army National Guard, serving in Afghanistan as a chief warrant officer two and a medivac Blackhawk helicopter pilot.  During his deployment in Afghanistan, he flew more than 90 missions and transported 110 patients.

A native of Wayland and a letter winner in track, he now lives in Lansing with his wife and their two dogs.