The Nebraska Judicial Branch welcomed 41 new probation officers during a virtual swearing-in ceremony last month.

State Probation Administrator Deborah Minardi addressed the new probation officers, their families and fellow probation employees via Webex on Oct. 22, 2021, according to a news release.

Prior to being sworn-in, new probation officers successfully completed seven weeks of new probation officer training plus one week of safety training. They also finished 24 experiential participation plan hours and their provisional period of employment.

Nebraska had more than 14,000 adults and nearly 2,000 juveniles under probation supervision as of June 2021. 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. Each success helps keep their communities safer.

Chief Justice Michael Heavican administered the virtual oath asking officers to raise their hand and pledge to uphold the U.S. Constitution and laws of the State of Nebraska. Each officer promised to support and faithfully discharge the duties of a state probation officer to the best of their abilities.

Justice William Cassel spoke to the importance of the probation officers in helping to craft appropriate sentences for each offender and the great confidence he put in probation officers when he was a trial court judge.  He stressed the critical role that probation officers play in the justice system.

State Court Administrator Corey Steel congratulated the new probation officers and spoke to the importance of their officers’ dedication and professionalism and how their support helps change lives and strengthen communities. 

Minardi also recognized Shawn Strickland, who passed away prior to being sworn in as a new probation officer. Supreme Court Justices William Cassel, Stephanie Stacy, Jeffrey Funke, and John Freudenberg also participated.

The new probation officers are:

• District No. 1: Denise Carpenter, Doug Coon, Kellie Lundy, Rachel Sobota and Emily Waggoner.

• District No. 2: Marcus Beier, Nikki Leet and Jeremy Meiners.

• District No. 3A: Julia Ernst, Amelia Feit, Mallory Fiala, Cuyler Henry, Shawn Schneider and Alyssa Simnitt.

• District No. 3J: Trevor Patterson, Zachary Peet, Kelly Peters and Tanner Specht.

• District No. 4A: Nicole Allison, Skyler Fillipi, Sarah Mingus and Anna Ybarra.

• District No. 4J: LaCher Carter, Tracy Fisher and Sandi Koch.

• District No. 5: Brittany Newill-Dennett and Christine Tuttle.

• District No. 6: Maria Alfrey, Alexis Cozad, Abigail Molek, Carlos Ochoa and Kristena Steed.

• District No. 9: Amy Bogosian.

• District No. 10: Landrum Fleming, Jason Houdek, Seth Johnson and Nathan Williams,

• District No. 12: Julie Bergfield, Carla Falcon and Megan Yaracz.