Recruiting for Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) has bounced back after Winter 2023’s recruit class was the smallest in the agencies history with only six new troopers.
NSP’s 69th Basic Recruit Class of 13 received their badges and were sworn-in Friday during a ceremony at the State Capitol in Lincoln.
“Your public service starts today,” Colonel John Bolduc told the new troopers. “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 baker’s dozen members of Camp 69 hail from communities across Nebraska, Iowa, and Pennsylvania. The newly sworn-in troopers have completed 22 weeks of training, including live-action scenarios and academic instruction. The new troopers will continue their training in the field along side veteran troopers as a part of the field training process.
“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,” Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen said to the recruits during his remarks.
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.