Nebraska State Patrol Promotes 3 Leaders to Captain Rank

The new captains will lead Capitol Security, Investigative Services, and Troop A operations.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:27pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a Nebraska State Patrol badge, the metallic surface reflecting the harsh light of the camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying a sense of authority and investigative focus.The Nebraska State Patrol's promotion of veteran officers to leadership roles underscores the agency's commitment to public safety.Lincoln Today

The Nebraska State Patrol announced the promotion of three veteran officers to the rank of captain. Lt. Kaleb Bruggeman will lead Capitol Security, Lt. Eric Jones will command the Investigative Services Division, and Lt. Eric Kauffman will oversee Troop A operations in the Omaha metro area.

Why it matters

These promotions highlight the Nebraska State Patrol's commitment to developing strong leadership from within its ranks to maintain public safety and security across the state.

The details

Lt. Kaleb Bruggeman, with 26 years of law enforcement experience, was promoted to captain of the NSP Capitol Security unit. Lt. Eric Jones, a 27-year veteran, was promoted to captain of the Investigative Services Division. Lt. Eric Kauffman, with 22 years of service, was promoted to captain of Troop A, overseeing patrol operations in the Omaha metro area.

  • The promotions were announced on April 2, 2026.

The players

Lt. Kaleb Bruggeman

A 26-year veteran of the Nebraska State Patrol who was promoted to captain of the Capitol Security unit.

Lt. Eric Jones

A 27-year veteran of the Nebraska State Patrol who was promoted to captain of the Investigative Services Division.

Lt. Eric Kauffman

A 22-year veteran of the Nebraska State Patrol who was promoted to captain of Troop A, overseeing patrol operations in the Omaha metro area.

Col. Bryan Waugh

The superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol, who praised the new captains' leadership and dedication to public safety.

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What they’re saying

“These three captains have proven throughout their careers that they are exceptional leaders. Their dedication to our collective public safety mission is evident in their own work, but their experience and diligence in leading their teams toward that same mission has had an even larger impact.”

— Col. Bryan Waugh, Superintendent, Nebraska State Patrol

The takeaway

The Nebraska State Patrol's promotion of these three veteran officers to captain rank demonstrates the agency's commitment to developing strong internal leadership to maintain public safety and security across the state.