Day pays tribute to fallen law enforcement officers

Dan Ottis has attended a fallen officers memorial service every year since his son, Eric, was killed while attending a class at the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center in Grand Island.

On Thursday, Ottis, an Ashland police officer, wore his dress uniform with a black band bearing his son's name and date of death across his badge. He stood with his parents, Johanna and Anthony Ottis of Wahoo, and saluted as a Nebraska State Patrol honor guard posted the American flag during a ceremony at the very center where his son spent the last day of his life.

Thursday was National Law Enforcement Memorial Day, and this week is National Police Memorial Week.

"It shows respect and honors those who've given their lives," Ottis said of Thursday's ceremony. "I'd like to see more people come."

The Ottis family joined a number of law enforcement officers, the LETC's basic recruit class and staff, and a handful of others in the training center's gym to listen as the names of the 128 law enforcement officers who've died serving Nebraska since 1866 were read.

"It's a very nice ceremony," Johanna Ottis said.

Eric Ottis was killed on Feb. 10, 2002, in a two-vehicle collision near the training center. He had been attending a 10-day training session at the center to obtain his reservist certification.

On Thursday, Hastings Police Chief Larry Thoren welcomed those in attendance and thanked the officers' family members for their support.

During his initial comments, Thoren noted that 181 officers died nationwide last year.

"That's a five-year high," he said.

Pastor Gary Bennett, who is also a law enforcement chaplain, led the audience in prayer. He asked the Lord to watch over the families who've lost a loved one in the line of duty. He also asked the Lord to be with the officers who feel they are alone and to let them know he is always present.

Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy, who once worked for Rural/Metro Ambulance Service, said he has seen firsthand how challenging and dangerous law enforcement can be. There are long hours and great demands on people who are rarely compensated fairly or appreciated for what they do, he said.

"I've seen their commitment to the state, and I always knew the men and women in blue and brown had my back covered," he said.

He added that they do their jobs, not for money or fame, but because they are called and they have the talent necessary to do what needs to be done. But the harsh reality is that all the training and experience isn't always enough, he said.

"There is no greater sacrifice than the giving of one's life for another," Sheehy said.

Thursday was a day to honor law enforcement officers' courage and to thank them for their dedication. Events such as the memorial ceremony ensure people will never forget those who've made the ultimate sacrifice, and it also provides an opportunity to welcome those who are preparing for law enforcement careers, he said.

"To my left are the future hometown heroes. Thank you," Sheehy said, motioning to the LETC basic recruiting class. "We also need to thank the family of law enforcement officers because without their love and support, they couldn't do their jobs. They live every day with the fear that, when they say goodbye, it could be for the last time."

Sheehy also read a proclamation from Gov. Dave Heineman that will be on display at the LETC and the Nebraska State Patrol Training Academy.

The ceremony concluded with the reading of the names of the officers killed in the line of duty, taps being played and the State Patrol's and Grand Island Police Department's honor guards firing a 21-gun salute.

"Keep these law enforcement heroes in your hearts," Thoren said.





Groundbreaking today

At 11 a.m. today, a groundbreaking ceremony will be held at the site of the Nebraska Law Enforcement Memorial at Fire Station 1, 409 E. Fonner Park Road. The public is invited to attend.

Eventually, the state firefighters' memorial will also be built on the site.

At Thursday's memorial ceremony, retired Lincoln Police Department Capt. Allen Soukup, whose father was killed while on duty in 1966, displayed a bag of dirt he had taken from the new site as the ground south of the fire station was being prepared. He said the memorial has been 16 years in the making and should be completed this summer.