09/21/2026
Portage County Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski:
EXPERIENCE INTEGRITY LEADERSHIP
Born in Cleveland, Bruce Zuchowski has lived in Portage County since 1978. The son of a Cleveland police officer, Bruce served the public for almost 34 years: twenty six years with the Ohio State Patrol (14 years as Assistant Post Commander) and currently serving his 5th year as the Portage County Sheriff.
Bruce has earned several Awards and Commendation letters through the years, including for saving a man’s life. In addition to extensive training in law enforcement, Bruce is also a certified OPOTA police instructor, district range, ALICE, and active shooter instructor who has trained and instructed not only troopers, but many other police departments, school administrators, and the public. He is the President and Chairman of the Ohio State Troopers Association. He is a member of Ravenna FOP (Lodge #70).
Having been married to the love of his life, Amanda, for almost 33 years. Bruce enjoys a rich family life. Both of his children, Natalie and Brandon, are successful in their careers. Natalie as a CT technician and Brandon as a Firefighter/paramedic.
A Mason for many years, Bruce and his family also attend Damascus Friends Church. He is a proud member of the NRA, and a staunch supporter of the Second Amendment.
Bruce is very passionate and dedicated to uphold and improve the safety of Portage County.
In the last 5 years Bruce has implemented several programs...TRT team, DVCU unit, P.A.C.E team, Increased K9 staff, Increased Dispatch and built a new Dispatch Center, added a Fire Investigative unit, Crime Scene Investigator and Cold Case Specialist, added Drone Officers, added Quick Response Recovery Team to respond to overdoses assisting in recovery and assessment - Partnership with Townhall ll assisting families after their loss, Partnered with the Mahoning County Human Trafficking Force, added Water Recovery and Dive Team, assigned several deputies to Federal Task Forces, Increased SRO units, added Commercial Weights and Standard Unit, ICE Contract, Federal Inmate Housing Contract, Increased Relationship with JFS to 2.5 deputies, increased Marine Patrol, improvements to the Gun Range to Partnership with other Agencies, initiated Handicap Stickers for those in need of special assistance, implemented Citizen Spot Check Program, obtained Portable Safety Speed Check Signs, increased Road Deputy Presence and response to incidence and crashes, added Virtual Training Room, Initiated ITP (Inmate training program) including SERVSAFE, Janitorial/Floor program, Sewing program to assist in future employment.
Bruce will continue to be diligent in adding new improvements and programs as necessary to enhance the betterment of the Portage County Sheriff's Office and increase the Safety for the Residents of Portage County.
