Nebraska State Patrol Graduates 72nd Recruit Class
December 19, 2025 (Lincoln, Neb.) — Eighteen new Nebraska State Troopers are ready to begin serving across the state. Members of the Nebraska State Patrol’s 72nd Basic Recruit Class were sworn-in today during a ceremony at the State Capitol in Lincoln.
“When you took the oath, you officially became a Nebraska State Trooper, carrying forward the pride and tradition associated with it,” Colonel Bryan Waugh told the new troopers during today’s ceremony. “You’ve earned it. You’ve proven you’re capable of doing this job and I just want to congratulate you once again on becoming a Nebraska State Trooper. I wish you safety, success, and a long career of protecting and serving Nebraska.”
The 18 members of Camp 72 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.
“You have been trained to be the best of the best. You’ve gone through processes and pushed yourself. I think everyone here would agree you’ve done things you never thought you could,” said Governor Pillen. “I just want to say a gigantic, ‘Thank you’. Thank you for answering the call of public service and being a part of the Nebraska State Patrol.”
Outstanding performance in several areas of training was recognized with awards during the graduation ceremony. Recruit Centaz Minter, of Richmond, Kentucky, received the Superintendent’s Leadership Award. The Captain Mark Williams Core Values Award was presented to Recruit Daniel Barker, of Harrison. The D.R. Shearer Marksmanship Award recipient was Recruit Connor Lange, of Missouri Valley, Iowa. Recruit Cameron Miller, of Gering, was honored with the R.J. Buchholz Physical Fitness Award. The O.H. Witt Academic Achievement Award was presented to Recruit Blake Olbrich, of Omaha.
“Whether you were born here or you moved here, you have the cultural DNA of the people of Nebraska,” Attorney General Hilgers told Camp 72. “You have integrity, honesty, and character. You will do the right things because Nebraskans do the right things. Whether someone’s looking or not looking, you will do the right thing.”
The graduates of Camp 72 are:
Name Hometown Badge Duty Station
Wilber Aguilar Matias Grand Island 196 Waverly
Cy Archer Alda 277 Aurora/York
Daniel Barker Harrison 279 Chadron
Caleb Brocker Omaha 195 Omaha
Daniel Christenson Aurora 429 Hastings
Cameron Frost Papillion 434 Omaha
Brandon Galla Blair 438 Omaha
Nicolas Guynn Kearney 439 Grand Island
Connor Lange Missouri Valley, IA 448 Nebraska City
Cameron Miller Gering 449 Scottsbluff
Centaz Minter Richmond, KY 455 Kearney
Brandon Mitzel West Point 457 Nebraska City
Blake Olbrich Omaha 458 Fremont
Jarred Rogers Lincoln 272 Waverly
Haylee Sitzman Wayne 547 North Platte
Aaron Strode Ravenna 466 McCook
Kayden Stubbs Maxwell 472 North Platte
Michael Tinsley, Jr. North Platte 479 North Platte
NSP’s next recruit class, Camp 73, is scheduled to begin training on January 5, 2026. Applications for Camp 74 are scheduled to open in March with camp beginning in July 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.