Kerrie On

By U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

This May marks the one-year anniversary of the death of Omaha Police Officer Kerrie Orozco. A proud police officer, beloved wife, and caring mother, Officer Orozco was killed in the line of duty on May 20, 2015, while serving an arrest warrant. She died one day before her 3-month-old daughter Olivia was set to arrive home from the hospital and Kerrie was to begin her postponed maternity leave. Officer Orozco’s death was an enormous loss for the Omaha community and a sobering reminder of the sacrifices our first responders make to keep us safe.

A year later, Nebraska continues to grieve this loss and celebrate the life of Kerrie Orozco. A leader in the community, she volunteered with the Special Olympics and helped raise funds as president of the Police Officers Ball. She led a Girl Scout troop and took part in area events like “Shop with a Cop.” The North Omaha Boys and Girls Club knew her as “Coach K,” the enthusiastic and warm leader of their baseball team. This devotion to so many people in the Omaha community earned Kerrie the police department’s “Outstanding Volunteer Service Award” last year.

This month, Kerrie’s friends, family and former colleagues traveled to our nation’s capital to participate in several events to honor her life and service to our state. Senator Ben Sasse and I joined them, along with members of Omaha’s First Responders Foundation, to lay a wreath at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. This ceremony had a special significance as part of the events leading up to National Police Week, which was first proclaimed by President John F. Kennedy in 1962, to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

At the memorial, we had the honor of meeting Officer Orozco’s former partner, Kevin Wiese, who shared warm and touching stories of his time with Kerrie. The memorial now bears Kerrie’s name, inscribed permanently in marble along with the many other officers who gave their lives to protect our communities.

Later that day, the U.S. Senate delivered its own tribute to Kerrie’s memory. I was deeply moved to honor Officer Orozco on the Senate floor through a speech discussing her life and legacy.

In a touching end to a day filled with emotions, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution in honor of Officer Orozco. Senator Sasse and I were joined by Iowa Senators Joni Ernst and Chuck Grassley in introducing the resolution, which expressed a sense of the Senate to honor her memory and service to our country.

In the year since Officer Orozco’s death, the common refrain of “Kerrie On” has been referenced repeatedly to honor her life, spirit, and legacy. One year later, she continues to represent the best of Nebraska and our nation, forever inspiring us to “Kerrie On.”

Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.