Left to right: Randy Buschkoetter, Kurt Schmidt, Chief Bryan Waugh, Mayor Jonathan Nikkila, Tami James-Moore and Alex Straatmann, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
KEARNEY — Kearney Police Department Chief Bryan Waugh, who was selected as the next Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol, was presented a key to the city during the Kearney city council meeting on Tuesday, May 28.
“Chief Waugh has served the Kearney community with distinction for the past six years, demonstrating exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and a deep commitment to public safety. Under his guidance, the Kearney Police Department has made tremendous strides in officer training, community engagement, and departmental innovation. His impact will be felt for years to come, and we are immensely grateful for the contributions he has made to our city,” the City of Kearney stated in a press release.
Mayor Jonathan Nikkila read a proclamation recognize Waugh which stated in part that Waugh has served in law enforcement for 32 years and has served as the KPD Chief since January 2019.
“Over the past six years Waugh has led the Kearney Police Department with distinction, exceptional leadership, integrity and service…he has been a steadfast and respected leader who has inspired countless officers and colleagues.”
“Chief Waugh has continued to grow the relationship between the Kearney Police Department and the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office.”
Nikkila said that Waugh’s selection as the next Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol is a testament to the caliber of leadership the City of Kearney has been fortunate to experience over the past six years.
Chief Waugh’s selection as Superintendent is a tremendous honor and a testament to the caliber of leadership we’ve been fortunate to have in Kearney,” said City Manager Brenda Jensen in a release, “We are proud to see him take this next step in his career and know he will serve the people of Nebraska with the same excellence and integrity he brought to our community.”
Waugh spoke after the proclamation reading and said he was blessed that then City Manger Mike Morgan, former Mayor Stan Clouse and the city council took a chance on a young captain from the La Vista Police Department from the “East Coast” of Nebraska, he quipped.
Waugh shared a story from 2018 when he attended a city council meeting to get a better idea about the City of Kearney. That meeting just happened to be the last meeting of then Chief Dan Lynch who was retiring from the position.
Of the words that Lynch spoke one stood out among the others and that was that being a police chief is the best place to be a police chief in the United States. Waugh said that after six years of service in the community, he couldn’t agree more.
Waugh said that he has the “utmost respect” for the men and women of the KPD and said they as a team have been able to do some incredible things over the years.
He said the future remains bright for the KPD because the foundation remains strong, even though leadership will change. He also noted the support of the city council and a community that provides “the next level” of support for professional policing.
“We have super dedicated, committed, talented police professionals who are working shoulder to shoulder with the Kearney Fire Department, Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office and our friends at the Nebraska State Patrol,” Waugh said.
Waugh said his most proud accomplishment is the gratitude he feels for the local government and those in the KPD who will continue to serve after he is gone. “I wish the KPD nothing but the best, I will always be a friend to them and they will be a friend of mine.”
“I am humbled and very gracious,” Waugh said in conclusion.
Following Waugh’s remarks, Mayor Nikkila presented Waugh with a ceremonial key to the city in recognition for his service to the Kearney community.
Waugh was appointed by Governor Jim Pillen to serve as the 19th Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol on May 1. He will begin his service with NSP on June 2, 2025.
“I’d like thank the members of the Nebraska Legislature for their confirmation vote today,” said Colonel Waugh. “I believe that the future is bright for the Nebraska State Patrol and I’m eager to join this talented team of men and women serving our state. Together, we will serve with integrity, dedication, and a shared mission to keep Nebraska safe.”
