Cody Thomas
Nebraska State Patrol
(LINCOLN, NEB.) — Thirteen new Nebraska State Troopers are ready to hit the road in service to the people of Nebraska. Members of the Nebraska State Patrol’s 69th Basic Recruit Class received their badges and were sworn-in today during a ceremony at the State Capitol in Lincoln.
“Your public service starts today,” Colonel John Bolduc told the new troopers during today’s ceremony. “You are dedicated to serving others. That means putting others ahead of yourselves. It may even mean putting yourself in harm’s way in service to others. Thank you for being willing to do just that.”
The 13 members of Camp 69 come to NSP from communities across Nebraska, Iowa, and Pennsylvania. The newly sworn-in troopers have completed 22 weeks of intense training, including extensive live-action training scenarios and rigorous academic instruction. Their training now continues in the field, pairing with veteran troopers in the field training process.
Outstanding performance in several areas of training was recognized with awards during the graduation ceremony. Recruit Garrett Swantek, of Genoa, received the Superintendent’s Leadership Award. Recruit Tomas Margritz, of Lexington, was honored with the D.R. Shearer Marksmanship Award. The O.H. Witt Academic Achievement Award was presented to Recruit Ryan Clark, of Kearney. Recruit Carissa Moore, of Crete, was awarded the Captain Mark Williams Core Values Award. Recruit Bryce Smidt, of Rockwell City, Iowa, was honored with the R. J. Buchholz Physical Fitness Award.
Governor Jim Pillen and Attorney General Mike Hilgers provided remarks during today’s graduation ceremony, which was held in the rotunda of the Nebraska State Capitol. Secretary of State Bob Evnen administered the oath of office.
“You’ve been through extraordinary challenges. You’ve overcome more than you probably thought you could 24 weeks ago,” said Governor Pillen. “I simply can’t say thank you enough. We are incredibly proud of you. You are answering the most noble calling of public service, taking care of the brothers and sisters of this great state.”
The graduates of Camp 69 are:
Name, Hometown, Badge, Duty Station
Gavin Boutin, Ogallala, NE, 41, Ogallala
Ryan Clark, Kearney, NE, 47, Kearney
Samuel Gustafson, Kearney, NE, 206, Omaha
Ashley Jackson, Gering, NE, 239, Scottsbluff
Jordan Jones, Marienville, PA, 253, Scottsbluff
Samantha Ligenza, Lincoln, NE, 297, Wahoo
Sinai Mandungu, Lincoln, NE, 341, Lincoln
Tomas Margritz, Lexington, NE, 351, Kearney
Carissa Moore, Crete, NE, 352, West Point
Bryce Smidt, Rockwell City, IA, 387, South Sioux City
Brian Smith, North Platte, NE, 402, North Platte
Garrett Swantek, Genoa, NE, 488, Scottsbluff
Seth Valverde, Pierce, NE, 484, Norfolk
The 70th Basic Recruit Camp for NSP is scheduled to begin training on July 8, 2024.
Applications for Camp 71 are scheduled to open in the next few months with camp scheduled to begin in January 2025. Anyone interested in a rewarding career serving the people of Nebraska can get information about the hiring process, the training provided to recruits, and the benefits of becoming a trooper by visiting NebraskaTroopers.com.