Nebraska State Patrol celebrates 60th Basic Recruit Camp graduation

The Nebraska State Patrol held its 60th Basic Recruit Class graduation at the Capitol rotunda today.

There were a total of 14 Nebraska State Patrol graduates.

“It’s a relief to be done with 6 months at camp. I don’t think I’ve been this excited. It’s a great accomplishment. We all did it together,” NSP Graduate and Trooper, Kristen McCrea said. 

“Just thrilled, absolutely blessed. It was pretty difficult, mentally and physically. I can’t deny that at all. But it was worth it every step of the way,” NSP Graduate and Trooper, Seth Howard said.

And graduates say that the effort was well worth it in being here today.

“You know, it just comes out of mindset how hard you really want to do it, how hard you want to serve and be in that role,” Howard said.

“I feel great; it’s a little warm in here so I think we’re all happy that it’s raining today, a little bit cooler. I’m leaving part of a family. I thought I came in with one, well I’m leaving with two,” McCrea said. 

They say that being on the Nebraska state patrol was a calling all along.

“I was a military police officer in the national guard and then started doing the same job in the air guard as a security forces member,” McCrea said. 

“I’ve been a police officer for a long time before joining the Nebraska State Patrol, so it’s something I love. I can’t think of doing anything else,” Howard said.

They say they will also remember today as a tribute to fellow fallen trooper Jerry Smith.

“Unfortunately these things, they do happen from time to time. It’s heartbreaking, definitely a difficult thing to deal with. Out of a people who are very close and tight–knit, when you lose someone out of that family, it’s hard to go on,” Howard said.

“I feel that it’s camp 60s responsibility to carry on his legacy to the best of our ability, for honoring his memory today,” McCrea said. 

The class includes recruits from Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota. They will be assigned to duty stations in many different parts of the state.