At a press conference Friday morning, Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts announced the termination of the head of the Nebraska State Patrol.
Ricketts says Col. Brad Rice was removed from his position after interfering with a number of investigations. “My decision was based on the initial findings of the review being conducted by my Chief Human Resources Officer."
Last Friday, Ricketts began a review of the State Patrol's practices and their use of force after a man in western Nebraska was killed during a pursuit.
The US Attorney's office and FBI have been contacted in regards to the review findings.
Six other State Patrol members were also put on paid administrative leave, including two command officers.
Ricketts' Chief Human Resource Officer Jason Jackson says that Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Schwarten is one of the six placed on administrative leave. “Over the past week, my review has focused on how recent use of force investigations have been conducted. This review found interference into the internal investigation process of the State Patrol and violations of internal policies among other concerning issues at the highest levels of the agency’s leadership.”
Ricketts says a search will be conducted to find Rice's replacement. "My team will commence a search immediately for the next superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol to lead this agency which is vital to protecting Nebraska’s public safety.”
The governor has named Major Russ Stanczyk as interim superintendent while they search for a permanent replacement.