Each of us benefits from the constant watch that members of law enforcement provide. In the frightening moments when we must dial "911", we do not likely give a second thought to the law enforcement personnel who respond – to the fact that they may have family and loved ones just as we do, and that they choose a career that frequently puts them in harms way.
 
Building a statewide memorial to honor these men and women, and those men who have died while serving, is the right thing to do. Here are some thoughts from your fellow Nebraskans.
 
"From time to time, we lose the lives of officers who bravely serve and protect our Nebraska communities every day. This memorial is a tribute to their courage and heroism and reminds us to honor those who daily protect and serve us."
– Former Governor Mike Johanns
 
"A memorial wall is like a promise to us. A promise etched in stone that the sacrifices of our loved ones, which indeed are our sacrifices, too, will never be forgotten."
– Barbara Dodge, survivor and widow of Lancaster County Sheriff's Deputy Craig Dodge, shot and killed on March 14, 1987
 
"It takes a special individual to face danger on a daily basis and to go into situations from which most people would run. Whether called officer, deputy, chief, sheriff, or trooper, we are proud of our heritage and believe that these heroes deserve to be remembered."
– Joseph Yocum, Sheriff of Seward County
 
"(My husband) and I were in Washington D.C. in 1996 for the National Law Memorial Ceremony... and it was very overwhelming to see all the thousands and thousands of names on the National wall, and then to find our own son's name on it...was very touching. Since I will probably never get back to D.C., we will be able to view a smaller Memorial here in Nebraska with the same effect. To me, this Memorial wall will ease the pain to know that our Fallen Officers will be remembered and honored with such a beautiful tribute for many, many years. I am so proud of the people who have initiated this project and I believe so many of the families of Fallen Officers will be very grateful for the recognition of their loved ones, the "Heroes."
– Barbara Wilson, survivor and mother of Omaha Police Officer Jimmy Wilson, Jr., shot August 20 and died August 21, 1995

Levels of Giving

Commemorative opportunities were developed in recognition of gifts to the memorial of more than $10,000. An unobtrusive donor recognition area has been planned for inside the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center, with a special "Hall of Honor" recognizing the 12 most recent officers who have died. The following categories were developed for our fundraising:

Governor's Circle Gold Shield Society Silver Star Society Bronze Star Society

$100,000 and above $50,000 to $99,999 $10,000 to $49,999 $1,000 to $9,999

Those Who Have Answered the Call

Many thanks to these individuals, businesses and law enforcement groups who have donated.

Governor's Circle Police Officer's Association of Nebraska Gold Shield Society Fraternal Order of Police Nebraska Sheriff's Association Silver Star Society Lincoln Benefit Life State Troopers Association of Nebraska TierOne Charitable Foundation

Bronze Star Society Ameritas Charitable Foundation Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Railroad Department of Governmental Affairs Cornhusker Bank – Lincoln Crete Carriers Evelyn Clark F.B.I. National Academy Associates FOP Lodge #1, Omaha Helen Sapp James Stuart, Jr. Foundation KE Pletcher Lincoln Police Department Morrison Roberts Foundation Rembolt, Ludtke & Berger, LLP. Rita Vyhlidal Sarpy FOP Lodge #3 Security Federal – Lincoln Stacy Pratt The Durham Foundation Theresa Chab Valmont Industries Wal-Mart Foundation – Bentonville, AK Werner Enterprises

There have been donations made to the Memorial Campaign for as little as $1.00. To those individuals who have given what they can, no matter the amount, the Nebraska Law Enforcement Memorial Committee extends its deepest thanks.