Son graduates and joins father on Nebraska State Patrol

Posted By: Alden German
agerman@klkntv.com

For over 80 years the Nebraska State Patrol has served and protected Nebraskans, as their motto says, “For The Good Of The People.” On Friday, the 14 newest state patrol troopers swore an oath to do the same.

Camp 59 officially joined their brothers and sisters in the Nebraska state patrol after training relentlessly for 22 weeks.

Hundreds showed up in the capitol rotunda to celebrate, but the ceremony was particularly significant for two people – father and son.

 “You know I had no idea…I knew he wanted a police officer, but I didn’t know he wanted to be a trooper, and it’s kind of a proud moment for me,” said Investigator James Estwick.

Estwick not only watched his son, Trooper Tronne Estwick, graduate, but personally pinned his son’s badge to his chest.

For Tronne, it’s a shining accomplishment.

“It was a lot of perseverance through this, but I made it through it, I’m happy, I’m excited, and I’m just ready to get started,” said Trooper Tronne Estwick, James’s son.

For his father, it’s a day he couldn’t imagine. He says his son was determined to go through the journey and come out the other side on his own, and he did.

“The academy’s a long journey. I didn’t do anything to help him prepare for it, he did it all on his own. He was pretty serious about doing it so we – just – I’m really proud of him.”

James is happy to see his son follow in his footsteps. The two joke about the potential of a new family line of Estwick state patrolmen.

“Hopefully, hopefully. Maybe he’ll have a son and carry the tradition on. It’d be nice,” said James.

For Now, Tronne Estwick is savoring the moment.

“It feels really good, really good,” Tronne said.