(From left) Minnesota American Legion Commander Carl Moon; Officer Zach Gruver; Minnesota State Patrol Capt, Tyler Iverson; and American Legion Post 21 Commander Paul Lehmann.

Minnesota State Patrolman Zach Gruver has been named the state’s American Legion Law Officer of the Year … the second Moorhead law enforcement officer to receive the award in the past three years. The presentation took place July 11 in Willmar, Minnesota.
Gruver was cited for efforts in saving the life of 18-year-old Sam Dutcher last October. The teen was driving north of Moorhead when he was unable to stop his speeding car. The Detroit Lakes office of the State Patrol instructed the officer to catch up. As they sped through Hitterdal toward a T intersection at speeds reaching 130 mph, Gruver instructed Dutcher, “Crash into me.” They safely collided. Both were unhurt.
As the state’s officer of the year, Gruver now goes on to the American Legion’s national competition for the year 2026.
Gruver, a Moorhead High School graduate, worked with the Glyndon and Moorhead police departments before joining the State Patrol five years ago.
The first local officer to win the Legion award was Sgt. Scott Kostohryz, who was named in 2023.