NSP announces new assistant superintendent

Colonel David Sankey, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol has named Administrative Services Major Thomas Schwarten to the post of Assistant Superintendent. Schwarten, a 23-year veteran of the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) took over his duties March 14, 2011.

“The candidates for Lt. Colonel all possessed excellent qualities,” said Colonel David Sankey. “Tom is a proven leader, both in the field as a Troop Area Commander and most recently as Administrative Services Major. He knows how to get the job done. I look forward to continue to work closely with him in his new role as Assistant Superintendent.”

Prior to his promotion, Lt. Colonel Schwarten, 45, was Commander of the NSP Administrative Services Division, serving as Major since Feb. 2009. The division encompasses the NSP Training Academy, Communications Operations, Accounting, Human Resources, and Information Technology along with several other support divisions.

After receiving a Bachelors of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Chadron State College, Schwarten joined the agency, graduating from the NSP Training Academy in 1987. He served his first duty assignment with the Field Services Division stationed in Syracuse. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1995 and was transferred to the Investigative Services Division, Troop-D North Platte. In May 2000, he received the rank of Lieutenant in Field Services, Troop A-Omaha and was named Troop A Captain in June 2005.

A 2004 graduate of the 191^st class of the Northwestern University, School of Police Staff and Command, Lt. Colonel Schwarten is a certified Drug Recognition Expert and was certified as a professional DRE instructor in May 1996. As a Commander with the agency, Schwarten has served on many special study projects to include an in-car camera recording system, and long range planning.

“The Agency has great depth of leadership and I wish to thank Colonel Sankey for giving me the opportunity to join him in the command of the Nebraska State Patrol,” said Lieutenant Colonel Schwarten.  “I look forward to working with all divisions as we implement strategies to continue to provide the excellent service the citizens of Nebraska have come to know and expect.”

Schwarten is the son of Weldon & Betty Schwarten of Wakefield, Nebraska.  A resident of Lincoln, he and his wife Kimberly have two children.