New Riverton Police Department patrol officer takes oath of office; Community Service Officer promoted

(Riverton, WY) – The Riverton Police Department added a new patrol officer to its ranks this week with the swearing in of Wyoming native Rebecca Nesta.

Nesta grew up in Casper for the first eight years of her life, RPD Chief Eric Hurtado said when he introduced her to the Riverton City Council on Tuesday, but she also lived in Cody and Laramie before inheriting her grandparents’ property in Riverton.

“She is happy to call Riverton her home,” Hurtado said. 

Nesta has worked in retail for the past 25 years, Hurtado noted, but she has an associate’s degree in criminology, and she likes to “read books and learn new things.”

“Over the last couple days, she’s gotten to learn about electronic control devices and pepper spray,” he said with a chuckle. “She loves to be outside hiking, camping and she loves to travel – she’s been to 37 states and has 13 more to go.”

Mayor Tim Hancock welcomed Nesta to the city after administrering the oath of office.

“We’re excited to have Officer Nesta here,” he said. “I’m very glad that she’s willing to serve her community (and) appreciate her being willing to step up.”

Promotion

Another new patrol officer took the oath of office during a council meeting April 21, but this one wasn’t new to the RPD.

Jeff Manning has worked as a Community Service Officer in Riverton for the past two years, and last month he was promoted to the position of patrol officer, Hurtado said.

“We’re very glad to have you on board Jeff,” Hancock said after administering the oath of office for Manning last month. “We’re excited for what you can bring to the department.”

Later, Hurtado noted that the CSO position Manning vacated had already been advertised, and an offer had been extended to a prospective candidate.

The grant that funds Riverton’s two CSO positions expires in September, Hurtado noted, and the period during which the city could re-apply for the funding “just opened.”

“It’s been nice to be able to have that,” Hancock said. “Fully funded grant positions – it’s just a great thing.”