New troopers urged to follow example of trooper lost in the line of duty
LINCOLN, Neb. — 14 marched as one, men and women who entered the state capitol as recruits and left as troopers, following the footsteps of a brother who gave his life in service to others.
“Trooper Jerry Smith badge 373 who lost his life in the line of duty.”
Col. John Bolduc started graduation with a moment of silence.
Followed by prayer from a chaplain, as she said, “We've gone from the worst day that can happen to the best day.”
Gov. Ricketts urged the 14 new troopers to follow the example Trooper Smith set.
“Jerry lived that type of life we should all try to live up to, of service about self,” Ricketts said, pointing to his lengthy military career, and how he chose not to retire, but to serve the state.
As Seth Olson received his badge, he embraces that call.
“That's one of the reasons I chose this, to be here, to serve people,” Olson said.
A Ravenna farm kid who studied horticulture, now grows a passion for law enforcement.
“The daily challenge, everything's different, there's going to be something different coming at me, that's what I like,” Olson said.
Troopers receive their badges aware they could be asked to sacrifice everything, as Trooper Smith did one day earlier.
Bolduc said, “That was a devastating blow to our entire organization, yet today, we're celebrating this new beginning. It really is a reflection of the kinds of things we experience in this career.”
It’s a career these troopers embrace, together.
“The main thing is the camaraderie and teamwork, you can feel it in the room,” Olson said.
As Trooper Olson begins his journey in law enforcement, he looks forward to a long career with the Nebraska State Patrol, however in the back of all their minds is sacrifice made by Trooper Smith, and the legacy he leaves behind.
