NSP Recruits Start Journey to Become Nebraska Troopers

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. —  The next class of Nebraska State Patrol recruits have started their journey to earning the title of Nebraska State Trooper. The recruits of Camp 73 began training today at the Nebraska State Patrol Training Academy in Grand Island.

“Today is a great day for Nebraska, as these recruits have committed themselves to a career of serving the people and visitors of our great state,” said Colonel Bryan Waugh, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “They’ve already demonstrated they have the character necessary to serve with integrity. Our Training Academy troopers will now equip them with knowledge, skills, and abilities they’ll need to make a difference in communities across Nebraska.”

The 12 recruits of Camp 73 come to NSP from several communities across Nebraska and multiple other states.  The recruits are:

Seth Dvorak – Scottsbluff                              Cale Laue - Gretna

Khadario Earl – Wellington, FL                     Sean O’Hearn - Oconee

Nick Eckhout – Lincoln                                 Hayden Thurnau – St. Paul

David Farmer – Battle Creek                         Markus Vigil – Las Animas, CO

Rex Fell – Benkelman                                     Carson vonRentzell - Elmwood

Gideon Hill – Macon, IL                                Roderick Woodworth – San Diego, CA

Nebraska State Patrol recruits undergo hundreds of hours of classroom instruction and scenario-based training to prepare them to serve as troopers. Camp 73 is scheduled to graduate on June 18, 2026.

“These recruits are embarking on a rigorous training course that will ensure they are prepared to provide the highest quality service to Nebraskans,” said Captain Andy Ecklund, NSP Director of Training. “Over the next six months, they’ll receive expert training and earn the title of Trooper.”

Applications to be a part of NSP’s next recruit class, Camp 74, will open on March 2, 2026. Interested candidates can connect with NSP recruiters, get more information about the career, and learn about the benefits at NebraskaTroopers.com.