Missoula officer Dylan Harris honored as Hometown Hero

MISSOULA, Mont. — The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana recognized Missoula police officer Dylan Harris as a Hometown Hero in Missoula as part of the nation’s Freedom 250 celebration.

The office announced Harris was honored during a small ceremony this morning. Harris has worked for the Missoula Police Department since 2021 and currently serves as the school resource officer at Hellgate High School.

He also worked as the department’s field training officer and crisis team negotiator and led its riot team, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The office said Harris started his law enforcement career with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office in Washington state in 2016 after graduating from the University of Montana.

Along with his work in Missoula, Harris served with the Oregon National Guard. From 2024 to 2025, he was deployed to northeast Syria as a captain in field artillery during Operation Inherent Resolve and commanded more than 100 soldiers across two locations.

His service there earned him the Bronze Star, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

Acting U.S Attorney Tim Racicot said the honor reflected the kind of service the award was created to recognize.

“I can think of no better way to contribute to the celebration of America’s 250th birthday than to recognize one of our fellow citizens for his dedicated efforts to keep his community safe. Public service is one of the hallmarks of this great country and working in law enforcement and serving in the military are two of its purest forms. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is grateful to all our service members and our partners in law enforcement. We’re honored to recognize Officer Harris for his selfless commitment to his city, state and country,” said Tim Racicot, acting U.S. Attorney.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office also highlighted Harris’ family ties to public service. His father served with the Portland Police Bureau and now works with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, while his brother is a sergeant with the Vancouver Police Department in Washington.

The office said the Hometown Hero Award marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and recognizes people whose service reflects civic responsibility, liberty and commitment to their communities.