Major Mike Thome brings more than 25 years of experience in law enforcement and natural resource protection. He currently serves as Assistant Division Administrator for the Law Enforcement Division of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. On Sept. 1, 2025, he was appointed Nebraska’s Boating Law Administrator, a role that builds on his long-standing commitment to public safety and outdoor recreation stewardship.
His passion for the outdoors began early and led him to pursue a biology degree with a wildlife emphasis at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. He launched his law enforcement career in 1998 with the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, serving more than seven years as a road deputy, investigator, firearms instructor and Emergency Services Unit team member.
In 2005, Thome joined the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission as a conservation officer in central Nebraska, where he oversaw a region that included seven reservoirs linked by an irrigation canal system across three counties. His responsibilities spanned enforcement and education in boating, fishing, hunting, trapping and parks. He developed extensive expertise in water-related incidents through advanced NASBLA training in Boat Incident Investigation (Levels I and II). He also served as a firearms instructor, armorer, field training officer and radio system technician, and he helped launch the agency’s technical surveillance, drone and investigative programs. He continues to volunteer as an instructor with the National Technical Investigator’s Association.
Promoted to district supervisor in 2019, Thome led a team of 11 conservation officers across 25 counties and more than 21,000 square miles in central Nebraska. His leadership expanded drone operations, technical surveillance and investigative practices, and guided the launch of a new sergeant classification within the division.
In 2024, he was promoted to major and assistant division administrator. In this role, he oversees the division’s budget, fleet, equipment and fixed assets, manages administrative staff, and serves as the statewide radio system coordinator. He plays a lead role in policy development, report management system oversight and agency-wide technology initiatives.
Thome is passionate about advancing boating safety and education, which he views as central to public safety. He looks forward to continuing to grow in his leadership role and to contributing to the NASBLA community through collaboration and innovation.
Outside of work, he enjoys life with his wife, Wendy, and their two sons, Evan and Cooper, and is deeply grateful for their support throughout his career.