By Cody Thomas
Nebraska State Patrol
Seventeen new recruits have started their journey to becoming a Nebraska State Trooper. The recruits of the 69th Basic Recruit Class of the Nebraska State Patrol began training Tuesday at the Nebraska State Patrol Training Academy in Grand Island.
“With the new year comes a new and exciting career for these recruits,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Nebraskans can be proud of these 17 for their commitment to service. During the next six months, our troopers will help them build the skills they need to put that attitude of service to great use in communities across our state.”
The recruits of Camp 69 are:
Gavin Boutin – Ogallala Ryan Clark – Kearney Raul Clouse – Elwood
Thomas Fouquet – Omaha Samuel Gustafson – Kearney Ashley Jackson – Gering
Jordan Jones – Marienville, PA David LaDuke – Alliance Samantha Ligenza – Lincoln
Sinai Mandungu – Lincoln Tomas Margritz – Kearney Carissa Moore – Crete
Bryce Smidt – Wayne Brian Smith – North Platte Daniel Smith – Holdrege
Garrett Swantek – Gering Seth Valverde – Lincoln
“These 17 recruits have started a rewarding and challenging journey to earn the title of Nebraska State Trooper,” said Captain Andy Ecklund, NSP Director of Training. “They will come together as a team as they undergo six months of intense training. By the time they graduate, they’ll be ready to serve the people of Nebraska with dedication and integrity.”
The Nebraska State Patrol basic recruit camp consists of hundreds of hours of classroom and practical instruction, including life-like scenarios designed to simulate situations troopers encounter while serving Nebraska. Camp 69 is scheduled to graduate on June 14, 2024.
Applications to join the next NSP class will open in February. Interested candidates can get information about the hiring process and connect with a trooper recruiter at NebraskaTroopers.com.