(LINCOLN, NEB.)  — A new class of Nebraska State Troopers was sworn-in today and is ready to begin their careers serving Nebraska. The members of the 65th Basic Recruit Class in Nebraska State Patrol history received their badges and took the oath of office at the State Capitol today.

“Every graduation marks a milestone, not only for our new troopers, but for our entire agency,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “These new troopers join a proud history of dedication to public service that is on display every day across Nebraska. They are well trained and eager to serve. We are proud to have them join our team.”

The thirteen members of Camp 65 come to NSP from communities across Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois. 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 Mara Tighe, of Norfolk, received the Captain Mark Williams Core Values Award. Recruit Philip Parish, of North Platte, received the Superintendent’s Leadership Award, as well as the O. H. Witt Academic Achievement Award. Recruit Griffen Vater, of Beatrice, was honored with the R. J. Buchholz Physical Fitness Award, as well as the D. R. Shearer Marksmanship Award.

Governor Pete Ricketts and Attorney General Doug Peterson provided remarks during today’s graduation ceremony, held in the rotunda of the Nebraska State Capitol. Secretary of State Bob Evnen administered the oath of office.

I can’t think of a more noble calling than serving the people of Nebraska, this great state,” said Governor Pete Ricketts. “You are joining the premiere law enforcement organization in the state of Nebraska and you have just attended an academy that is one of the most rigorous in the nation, and you’ve succeeded. You should be very proud of those accomplishments.”

The graduates of Camp 65 are:

Name

Hometown

Badge

Duty Station

Moamal Ali

Lincoln, NE

229

Kearney

Michael Blazek

Malta, IL

11

Beatrice

Dylan Duhsmann

West Point, NE

17

Columbus

Ryan Edmondson

Pacific Junction, IA

111

Nebraska City

Sarah Evans

Le Mars, IA

186

Omaha

Regan Holst

Missouri Valley, IA

358

Beatrice

Colton Kirkendall

Smithland, IA

368

South Sioux City

Logan Miller

Papillion, NE

386

Broken Bow

Philip Parish

North Platte, NE

428

North Platte

Jaquelline Rivas

Grand Island, NE

442

Grand Island

Mara Tighe

Norfolk, NE

421

Columbus

Griffen Vater

Beatrice, NE

443

Beatrice

Brady Wallace

Scottsbluff, NE

182

Scottsbluff

 

NSP is currently accepting applications to become a trooper. Anyone interested in a rewarding career serving the people of Nebraska can apply at nsp.ne.gov/apply and get more information about the hiring process, the training provided to recruits, and the benefits of becoming a trooper by visiting NebraskaTroopers.com.