Nebraska State Patrol Graduates 70th Recruit Class

December 20, 2024 (Lincoln, Neb.)  —The Nebraska State Patrol has welcomed nine new troopers into the ranks. Members of NSP’s 70th Basic Recruit Class received their badges and were sworn-in Friday during a ceremony at the State Capitol in Lincoln.

“From today forward each day you pin on that badge, you will have the privilege of being a public servant,” said Colonel John Bolduc, addressing Camp 70 at the graduation ceremony. “You will face challenges, but you will succeed in these challenges because your mission is just, your cause is noble, and you are prepared.” 

The nine members of Camp 70 come to NSP from communities across Nebraska and South Dakota. 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.

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.

“Public service is an extraordinary calling,” Governor Pillen told the new troopers. “The highest calling of government is to keep us safe. Since 1937 the standards are exactly the same. For you to be here today, you have met everything that every previous member of the Nebraska State Patrol has accomplished.”

Outstanding performance in several areas of training was recognized with awards during the graduation ceremony. Recruit Jared Weber, of Sidney, received the Superintendent’s Leadership Award, the Captain Mark Williams Core Values Award, and the O.H. Witt Academic Achievement Award. Recruit Zachariah Johnson, of Grand Island, was honored with the D.R. Shearer Marksmanship Award. Recruit Tyson Guzman, of Omaha, was presented the R. J. Buchholz Physical Fitness Award.

“There’s going to be a whole generation of little boys and girls who are you going to look up to you,” said Attorney General Hilgers. “And you know what you’re going to say? They’re going to go to their moms and their dads and say, ‘You know what? I want to be what they are. I want to be a trooper.’”

The graduates of Camp 70 are:

Name,  Hometown, Badge, Duty Station
Kelsee Colgrove,  Spearfish, SD, 202, St. Paul
Jamie Garrison, Alda, 213, Aurora
Tyson Guzman, Omaha, 220, Hastings
Ryan Hilliard, Wausa, 222, Norfolk
Zachariah Johnson, Grand Island, 223, Grand Island
Jordan Orduno, Ponca, 226, South Sioux City
Isaac Scharff,  Lexington, 265, Holdrege
Matthew Walker, Milford, 244, Burwell
Jared Weber, Sidney, 245, Sidney 

NSP is proud to announce that fifteen new recruits will begin training in early 2025. The 71st Basic Recruit Camp for NSP is scheduled to begin training on January 6, 2025.

Applications for Camp 72 are scheduled to open in February with camp scheduled to begin in July 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.