Before state trooper Zach Gruver drove an iconic maroon and white Minnesota State Patrol cruiser, he sported orange and black as a 2013 graduate of Moorhead High School. Now, Gruver’s actions behind the wheel of that cruiser have earned him recognition both locally and nationwide.
On the night of September 17, 2024, Gruver responded to a call for an out-of-control vehicle north of Moorhead. The vehicle had malfunctioned and was traveling at speeds over 100 miles per hour. Zach was able to help the young driver, Sam Dutcher, stop the car by instructing him to crash into the back of the patrol car.
“That was really all I could think of that was going to get him stopped in time,” said Gruver of his use of the controlled braking technique. “We just kind of ran out of time and distance. I really didn’t know of any other way.”
During the incident, Zach also had the foresight to get ahead of Sam’s car to stop potential traffic at a four-way-stop as the out-of-control vehicle approached Hitterdal on 90th Ave N. Once Sam was clear of the small town, Zach worked with Sam via cell phone to pull off the controlled brake and bring the runaway vehicle to a stop.
In late September, the Moorhead City Council presented Gruver with the MoorHeart Award, for his courageous action in the line of duty. The MoorHeart Award honors individuals or organizations that have made an outstanding achievement or contribution to the Moorhead community.
“He stayed calm, cool and collected while helping this young man,” said Moorhead resident Trish Feldt, who nominated Gruver for the award. “That composure undoubtedly saved his life.”
"To be honored by Moorhead is incredibly moving," said Gruver. "It's an amazing feeling to know the community that raised me is proud of my work."
Coverage of Gruver’s heroics spread across the country and even into Canada, with the story even getting a longform writeup in a summer 2025 edition of Reader’s Digest.
“Zachary’s dedication to protecting others and his unwavering commitment to public safety make our community a safer place,” hailed Moorhead Governmental Affairs Director Lisa Bode.
From the halls of Moorhead Area Public Schools to the roads of Minnesota, Zach’s calm courage and spirit for public safety remind us what it means to serve others with heart, integrity and pride. Once a Spud, Always a Spud!