MERIDIAN, ID — The Idaho State Police will hold a pinning ceremony tomorrow, Sept. 11, to promote Lieutenant Jason Horst to the rank of captain. The event falls on a date of deep personal significance for Horst, an Air Force veteran whose military career was shaped by the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Horst served in the U.S. Air Force from 1991 to 2005. Following 9/11, he shifted to roles focused on anti-terrorism protection, including safeguarding Afghanistan’s first democratic election and flying missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom while stationed in Uzbekistan. “Those experiences deepened my commitment to service,” Horst said. “Being promoted on 9/11 is profoundly humbling and, in many ways, feels full circle. I see the pinning ceremony as a renewal of my duty to serve”.
After returning home, Horst joined the Idaho State Police in 2006 as a graduate of Advanced Training Class 33. He began his career in Twin Falls, later moving to Pocatello where he became a detective in 2008. In 2011, he transferred to Boise to serve on the Governor’s Protection Detail under Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter. He returned to investigations in 2014, was promoted to detective sergeant in 2017, and became a patrol lieutenant in 2022. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in applied science from Boise State University.
As captain, Horst will lead statewide efforts within the ISP Headquarters Investigations Division, overseeing investigations, hiring, Project Safe Neighborhood, and asset forfeitures. The ceremony is scheduled for 3 p.m. MDT at ISP headquarters in Meridian. It will also include the promotion of Sgt. Jeff Fortner to Capitol Protective Services lieutenant.