Seventy-one new probation officers were sworn in last month in a virtual ceremony held by the Nebraska Judicial Branch.

State Probation Administrator Deborah Minardi addressed new probation officers, their families and fellow probation employees via Webex on Oct. 27. Minardi said probation’s work is both complex and dynamic and presents a multitude of challenges on any given day. In Nebraska, there are over 14,000 adults and over 2,000 juveniles under probation supervision.

Chief Justice Mike Heavican administered the virtual oath asking officers to raise their hand and pledge to uphold the United States’ constitution and laws of the State of Nebraska. Each officer promised to support and faithfully discharge their duties to the best of their abilities.

Probation officers provide information to the court regarding the risk an individual may pose to public safety, as well as a listing of programs or services that may prevent the individual from committing further crime. Working toward ensuring compliance with the court’s order, probation officers utilize proven risk reduction methods to provide a balance of accountability-based supervision and rehabilitation services.

New Probation Officers

District No. 1: Jason Cohorst, Brandi Klaassen, Trisha Larkin, Kimberly Parker and Theresa Troutman. District No 2: Bobby Baccam, Courtney Elliott, Matthew Goldapp, Gina Volenec and Laura Waldmann. District No. 3A: Kelani Baber, Patrick Briggs, Kaitlyn Buresh, Poli Corleone, DeRance Chandler, Andrew Fuller, Kelli Gerig, David Koso, Alvin Lugod, Kimberly Trowbridge and Clinton Zegers. District No. 3J: Adau Ayaj, Timothy Linsenmeyer, Autaum Poley, Candace Sturgeon and Kara Wilkinson. District No. 4A: Kayla Krance, Erika Lopez-Carter, Rachel Prescher, Danielle Ramsey, Madison Romanek, Eric Schult, Chaney Smith-Doolin and Erin Watts. District No. 4J: Tamika Gay, Aimee Hough, Kelsey Kracher, Abraham Mach, Justi McMurray, Adam Nordstrom, Riley Osentowski, Brian Randall and Chaunita Wells. District No. 5: Megan Fifield, Amanda Burbridge, Kyle Hohnholt, Kersten Shefcyk andDustin Sutton. District No. 6: Mikayla Bock and Jordan McCoy. District No. 7: Breanna Benda, Danielle Eskens and Cody Stowe. District No. 9: Jennifer Dozler, Brian Kehler, Stephanie Medinger, Emily Melcher, Denise Stark and Deanna Weiss-Eby. District No. 10: Kiley Carrillo and Amanda Cunningham. District No. 11: Amanda Brunkhorst, Jennifer Dawson, Zachary Dolezal, Nichole Emrich, Dominique Frease and Kellie Matthewson. District No. 12: Samantha Gilkerson, Madison Peterson, Stephanie Skinner and Lisa Van Winkle.