Nebraska State Patrolman Dan Thompson was recognized during a ceremony and reception held Thursday at Zion Lutheran Church. He was presented with memorabilia from his career in a presentation from Troop D Commander Captain Martin Denton of North Platte, left, and Colonel John A. Bolduc. Thompson was joined by his wife, Connie, daughter Shelby Day of Grant and son Garret of Omaha. (Johnson Publications photo)
Trooper Thompson honored for 30 years of service
For 30 years, State Trooper Dan Thompson of Imperial patrolled Nebraska’s highways. For 30 years, he put the safety of others above that of his own.
That’s what serving the
public is all about for Thomp-son.
Now, after 30 years, Thompson has turned in his car and uniforms and his badge now carries an “R,” signifying retirement.
Thompson was honored by his fellow troopers during an open house at Zion Lutheran Church last Thursday.
Troopers from throughout southwest Nebraska came to recognize Thompson for his 30 years of service as Trooper 223, his badge number.
New State Patrol Colonel John Bolduc came from Lincoln to make a special presentation to Thompson.
He presented Thompson with a shadow box of memorabilia from his time at the patrol, including his first trooper ID card, his tie and his license plates, which carried his badge number 223.
Included with the presentation was Thompson’s final Distinguished Service Award, one of three he received during his career which began on Sept. 14, 1987.
After his field training, Thompson worked road operations for the patrol, based out of the patrol’s headquarters in Lincoln.
In June 1999, Thompson transferred to Imperial as a member of Troop D, a position he held until his retirement.
He was the first trooper to be stationed in Imperial.
He served as a member of the troop’s SWAT team, was a member of Nebraska’s first Drug Recognition Expert class and also served as a firearms instructor and field training officer.
Bolduc praised Thompson for his dedication to the patrol and the sacrifices he made to serve.
He also recognized him for his mentoring of new troopers as their field training officer (FTO). New troopers spend eight weeks riding with a seasoned officer before being able to operate on their own.
One of those trainees was Trooper Jamey Balthazor.
Thompson said it was ironic that he was the FTO for Balthazor as Ron Balthazor, Jamey’s dad, was his training officer.
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