Nebraska State Patrol graduates 66th Recruit Class

LINCOLN, Neb. --  The 66th Recruit Class for the Nebraska State Patrol graduated on Friday. 

The NSP said 16 new State Troopers are ready to serve in communities across the state.

Members of the 66th Basic Recruit Class were sworn-in Friday and got their badges during a ceremony at the State Capitol.

“Today is a proud day for the Nebraska State Patrol,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Every graduation marks a milestone, not only for the new troopers, but also for our agency as the next class of public servants joins the ranks. These troopers are well trained and ready to hit the road across our great state. We are proud for them to join our team as we continue to serve Nebraska.”

NSP said the members of Camp 66 come to them from communities across Neb., Colo., Iowa, Ill., Kan., and Minn.

The newly sworn-in troopers completed 22 weeks of intense training, said the NSP. The training included extensive live-action training scenarios and rigorous academic instruction.

The NSP said their training will now continue in the field, pairing the 16 graduates with veteran troopers in the field training process.

Outstanding performance in several areas of training was recognized with awards during the graduation ceremony, according to the NSP.

Recruit Steven Johnson, of Waverly, received the Superintendent’s Leadership Award, as well as the O.H. Witt Academic Achievement Award. Recruit Zachariah Sporer, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, was honored with the Captain Mark Williams Core Values Award. Recruit Mark Fluckey, of Omaha, was honored with the R. J. Buchholz Physical Fitness Award. Recruit Zachary Matthews, of Neola, Iowa, received the D. R. Shearer Marksmanship Award.

Governor Pete Ricketts and Attorney General Doug Peterson provided remarks during the ceremony, held in the rotunda of the Nebraska State Capitol.

The NSP said Secretary of State Bob Evnen administered the oath of office.

“You are joining the premiere law enforcement agency in the state of Nebraska, having just graduated one of the toughest law enforcement training academies in the nation,” Governor Ricketts told the recruits. “We’re also proud that you have chosen this line of work. Your motto ‘Service Over Self’ demonstrates that you understand what this is about, that you are here to serve, protect, and keep the people of Nebraska safe.”

The graduates of Camp 66 are:

The 67th Basic Recruit Camp for NSP is scheduled to begin training on January 3, 2023.