Alarcon-Ortega is new Nebraska State Trooper

By Alan Carman
The Imperial Republican
    On June 13, 2025, the Nebraska State Patrol welcomed a new class of State Troopers into the ranks. Members of NSP’s 71st Basic Recruit Class received their badges and were sworn-in during a ceremony at the State Capitol in Lincoln.
    “You are the future of law enforcement,” Colonel Bryan Waugh told the new troopers during the ceremony. “You will carry on beyond my career and the careers of many of this room. Each of you chose this career for a reason. Never allow yourself to forget that reason.”
    The seven members of Camp 71 have completed 22 weeks of intense training, including extensive live-action training scenarios and rigorous academic instuction. Their training now continues in the field, pairing with veteran troopers in the field training process.
    Gov. Jim Pillen, Lt. Governor Joe Kelly and Attorney General Mike Hilgers provided remarks during the graduation Ceremony, which was held in the rotunda of the Nebraska State Capitol. Attorney General Hilgers administered the oath of office.
    Outstanding performance in several areas of training was recognized with awards during the graduation ceremony. Recruit Gage Gonzales, of Lincoln, received the Superintendant’s Leadership Award, The Captain Mark Williams Core Values Award, and the D. R. Shearer Marksmanship Award. The O. H. Witt Academic Achievment Award was presented to Recruit Nickolas Sutton, of Doniphan. Recruit Joseph Fausti, of Clayton, Washington, received the R. J. Bucholz Physical Fitness Award.
    The graduates of Camp 71 are: Joel Alarcon-Ortega, Imperial, badge 16, McCook; Jennifer Alonso, Hastings, badge 23, Hastings; Joseph Fausti, Clayton, Wa, badge 29, West Point; Gage Gonzales, Lincoln, badge 36, Nebraska City; Ryan Painter, Springview, badge 61, Valentine; Nickolas Sutton, Doniphan, badge 74, Waverly; Michael Vargas, Hershey, badge 89, Grand Island.