KIMBALL -- The Kimball Police Department and Sheriff’s Office each have a newly certified officer following the Nebraska Police Academy graduation last week.

Officer Joe Leitza and Deputy Donaven Nolze graduated from the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center and received their badges December 18 after completing the 16 weeks of training.

Nolze started at the Sheriff’s Office in January working as a jailer and dispatcher while also receiving FTO training to prepare for the academy.

Nolze was sworn in as a deputy with the Sheriff’s Office Friday, and he will also go through further training with a deputy for the first few weeks on the job.

He said he looks forward to meeting everyone in the community and making a difference while helping people as much as he can.

“Hopefully I am an asset to the community and a safe space for people in need,” he said. “I have family and friends who have been impacted by impaired drivers, so I want to be able to do my part in preventing others from going through similar situations. I look forward to chatting with the community and being an open door for anybody who needs it.”

Leitza began his journey into law enforcement in 2020, working for the Sheriff’s Office, where he spent a year. He then transitioned to the Police Department working as Kimball’s Community Service officer starting in 2022 until he applied for an officer position at the beginning of 2025.

“Law enforcement has always been my go-to career,” Leitza said. “It was kind of a long road to get here. I appreciate the entire department having my back and giving me the chance to join the academy and join them on the force.”

Leitza said as the Community Service Officer, he gained experience in talking to people, being part of the community, and learning about the city ordinances.

He also did some training with the officers and joined the department’s various training courses in preparation for the academy.

He will now 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.

Leitza will be sworn in at the City Council Meeting January 6.

“I’m looking forward to helping people – especially helping people on their worst days, to get to know the community again, and try to help out any way that I can,” he said.

Both Chief of Police Jose Ruiz and Sheriff David Hottell said they look forward to adding members of law enforcement to their departments.