The Hilliard Division of Police promoted a detective to sergeant and swore in a new officer August 4, during a ceremony attended by Chief Michael Woods, Deputy Chief Kelly Weiner, and other division leadership.

Sgt. Matt Hayes earned the promotion after what the division described as an extensive and competitive selection process. Hayes joined HPD in June 2018 after graduating from the Columbus Police Training Academy and served as a detective in both the Special Investigations Unit and the Criminal Investigations Unit during his eight years with the division. In 2023, the Franklin County Sheriff's Office recognized him with its STAR Award, given annually to officers who demonstrate selflessness, teamwork, accountability, and respect.

Hayes is one of three Hilliard officers to receive the STAR Award in recent years.

Officer Kayla Martin, meanwhile, brings seven years of juvenile justice experience and two specialized certifications to Hilliard's patrol force. A central Ohio native who graduated from Olentangy High School, Martin earned a criminal justice degree from Bowling Green State University before working one year as a detention officer and six years as a probation officer at Wood County Juvenile Court.

She became a sworn officer in 2023 after graduating from the Ohio State Highway Patrol Basic Peace Officer Academy and joined the Bowling Green State University Police Department. There, she earned certification as a Standardized Field Sobriety Testing instructor and an International Police Mountain Bike Association instructor.

Martin will spend her first few weeks learning HPD's policies before beginning 15 weeks of field training with a certified training officer.

The division said it is actively recruiting, with applications for entry-level and lateral transfer positions open through Friday, September 4, according to the city's announcement. Interested applicants can visit WearTheHPDBadge.org.