KIMBALL -- Kimball’s Officer Sergio Tarango is now a certified law enforcement officer in the State of Nebraska.

Tarango successfully graduated from the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center and received his badge on April 17 after completing the 16 weeks of training. Tarango was also presented with the Firearms Proficiency Award.

Prior to entering the academy, he was hired by the Kimball Police Department, in which time he completed the required courses for the academy and became certified in the use of tasers, PepperBall, and less lethal shotguns.

“We wanted to get him his certifications and do some training in firearms to prepare him for the academy,” Ruiz said.

Starting April 23, Officer Tarango will enter the department’s 14-week Field Training and Evaluation Program. During this time, he will work alongside a certified field trainer to further develop his skills and knowledge before transitioning to solo patrol duties.

Ruiz said he is looking forward to having a new officer on the force who brings a fresh perspective and excitement for the job.

“He is a young officer, physically fit, intelligent, and bilingual; he has a lot of characteristics to have a bright future in law enforcement,” Ruiz said. “He also has a high drive to learn, and he takes the job seriously, which is the way it should be.”

Tarango said he is looking forward to serving in the tight-knit Kimball community who welcomed his family with open arms when they moved here in 2020.

“I've never felt more welcomed by a community; they’ve been so good to me and my family, and it would be an honor to protect every person in Kimball and the surrounding communities,” Tarango said. “I want to give back to the community because they've given me so much.”

Tarango says one of the motivating factors to entering law enforcement is that he lost some friends in high school to impaired drivers.  

“I have also witnessed in our society today a lot of people’s voices are not heard, and I want to be that person who can be that voice for people and that can defend people who can't defend themselves or get people out of harm's way when they can't do it themselves,” Tarango said. “This has been my dream since I was a little boy, and my dream came true on April 17th. This is a prime example of chasing your dreams and accomplishing what you want to do.”