NSP Trooper being recognized after death in Western Nebraska

Nebraska State Trooper Jerry Smith is being recognized across the state after he died Thursday while on duty in Scottsbluff. 

“It could happen to anybody any day, but that’s part of what we do and its part of the risks we take when we put on the badge…” says Sergeant Sean Velte, who helped train Trooper Smith in Grand Island about four years ago. 

Sgt. Velte says Smith was a go-getter, always eager to do his job. 

“[Smith] really loved what he did, he spent 27 years in the military and then came to go through our 26 week camp as a 40–something year old, that speaks volumes to what he wanted to do in life,” Velte says. 

Velte’s time with Smith was limited, but says he was mature and a great example for other troopers. 

“I’ve not heard anything, any bad thing about him…everybody says he’s a hard worker…truly committed to being a public servant,” Velte says. 

Funeral services for Trooper Smith, badge #373, will be held Thursday morning in Scottsbluff. Many NSP Troopers will be making their way there alongside four Lincoln Police Officers, and two Lancaster County Deputies. 

Sgt. Velte iterated that the NSP has received an outpouring of support from all around the nation. 

“Support…from outside agencies, not only Nebraska, but from all over the country and we just hope and assume a lot of those agencies will be represented tomorrow to show their respects.”