The Nebraska State Patrol has welcomed a new class of state troopers into the ranks. Members of NSP’s 71st Basic Recruit Class received their badges and were sworn-in today during a ceremony at the State Capitol in Lincoln.

“You are the future of law enforcement,” Colonel Bryan Waugh told the new troopers during today’s ceremony. “You will carry on beyond my career and the careers of many in this room. Each of you chose this career for a reason. Never allow yourself to forget that reason.”

The seven members of Camp 71 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, Lt. Governor Joe Kelly, and Attorney General Mike Hilgers provided remarks during today’s graduation ceremony, which was held in the rotunda of the Nebraska State Capitol. Attorney General Hilgers administered the oath of office.

“You’ve gone through an extraordinary process,” said Governor Pillen. “The standard of the Nebraska State Patrol is the holy grail of safety. What you’ve embarked on and what you have accomplished is second to none. The Nebraska State Patrol does not take a second to any police in the United States of America. We’re incredibly proud of you.”

Outstanding performance in several areas of training was recognized with awards during the graduation ceremony. Recruit Gage Gonzales, of Lincoln, received the Superintendent’s Leadership Award, the Captain Mark Williams Core Values Award, and the D.R. Shearer Marksmanship Award. The O.H. Witt Academic Achievement Award was presented to Recruit Nickolas Sutton, of Doniphan. Recruit Joseph Fausti, of Clayton, Washington, received the R. J. Buchholz Physical Fitness Award.  

“Not only are you going to be a Trooper, you’re going to be a Nebraska Trooper. And that means far more than just knowing the rules, or being physically fit, or being a great marksman,” Attorney General Hilgers told Camp 71. “It’s about the inner character that each of you have… It’s from years of living in this state. It’s from years living around Nebraskans, people who reinforce important virtues like integrity, and humility, and courage, and wisdom, and judgement.”

The graduates of Camp 71 are:

NSP is proud to announce that twenty-four new recruits will begin training next month. The 72nd Basic Recruit Camp for NSP is scheduled to begin training on July 7, 2025.

Applications for Camp 73 are scheduled to open in August with camp scheduled to begin in January 2026. 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.

###