When Captain Matt Ozanic walks into a room, it’s not with fanfare or force — but with purpose. This month, that quiet leadership was recognized across Colorado.

Colorado State Patrol awarded Ozanic, the Fruita-based commander of Troop 4A, with its coveted Supervisor of the Year award. It’s not given lightly. And it doesn’t come from above. It comes from peers — like Sergeant Sanchez, who nominated Ozanic for the honor.

Earning trust, not just a title

Leadership isn’t just about rank. That’s the first thing people say about Ozanic.

Sergeant Sanchez didn’t hand in a glowing nomination because he had to. He did it because, in his words, Ozanic “brings people together.” He solves problems. And he listens.

One sentence, quietly spoken by Sanchez, cuts through:
“Ozanic’s team-building and problem-solving skills make him a great leader.”

There’s no ego in that compliment. Just respect.

Ozanic, who leads Troop 4A out of Fruita, doesn’t speak about himself much. But when asked about the award, he brings it back to the mission.

“We’re at 90 years right now,” he says of the Patrol. “And just holding those core values of honor, duty and respect is a big part of the patrol.”

Operations that reach beyond Fruita

This award isn’t just about how he leads day-to-day. It’s also about the big stuff — the moments when command matters most.

Ozanic organized multiple surge operations this past year. These aren’t routine. They involve coordinating several law enforcement agencies, sometimes across jurisdictions, to respond to spikes in crime or traffic threats.

The stakes are high. The logistics? Complicated.

And still, Ozanic made it look effortless. His peers took notice.

But there’s something else he did — something that moved officers far beyond the badge.

He led the procession and support following the tragic deaths of Nathan Jones and Trent Umberger. The two Colorado Department of Transportation workers were killed in September. And their loss hit hard across the Western Slope.

Ozanic made sure their final honors were handled with care, dignity, and deep respect. That moment cemented how he shows up — not just for his team, but for the whole community.

A patrol rooted in 70 years of tradition

Colorado State Patrol was founded back in 1953. In 2025, it’s marking 90 years of service.

Ozanic understands that history. And he carries it in how he leads.

He’s not chasing personal accolades. He’s upholding legacy.

The Patrol’s motto — Honor. Duty. Respect. — isn’t just a slogan on a patch. It’s how Ozanic runs his troop.

You can see it in the way he delegates. You can feel it in the trust his officers have in him. And you can hear it when troopers speak his name with admiration, not obligation.

Leadership is about people — not policy

The magic in Ozanic’s leadership isn’t just about command. It’s about care.

Colleagues say he builds bridges. He listens first, then speaks. He doesn’t bark orders — he builds buy-in.

Here’s what makes him stand out:

• Empathetic communication with troopers and staff

• Collaborative operations with multiple agencies

• A calm presence during community tragedies

• Clear focus on safety, unity, and morale

• A reputation for putting others first

It’s leadership that doesn’t need to shout.

The award is personal — but the impact is shared

Troop 4A covers a vast part of western Colorado. Long highways. Small towns. Tough terrain. And no shortage of high-stakes calls.

But under Ozanic, the troop runs smooth.

They’ve handled multi-agency pursuits. Managed severe weather crashes. Stepped in during local crises. All while staying grounded in the mission.

The Supervisor of the Year Award? Sure, it’s a plaque. But really, it’s a nod to every moment Ozanic had his team’s back.

His work isn’t flashy. It’s solid. Dependable. Quietly excellent.

And that’s exactly the kind of leadership the badge should stand for.