Law enforcement agencies from Scotts Bluff County convened on the east lawn of the Scottsbluff Police Department Wednesday morning to honor fallen law enforement officers.
This event, hosted by the Scottsbluff Police Department, is an annual tradition during Law Enforcement Memorial Week.
During today’s ceremony, Sheriff Mark Overman paid tribute to slain SBCO Corrections Officer Amanda Baker and Nebraska State Patrol Captain Kurt Von Minden honored the late Trooper Jerry Smith.
Scottsbluff Mayor Jeanne McKerrigan also read a proclamation declaring May 13th as Police Officers’ Memorial Day in the City of Scottsbluff.
Keynote speaker Dr. Tom Perkins, who serves on the Scottsbluff Civil Service Commission, says the calling of a law enforcement is a sacred duty.
“You know better than anyone else that law enforcement takes a special kind of commitment. You see the seamy, the sad, the dangerous, the tragic aspects of life, and yet you continue to do what you were called to do.”
The Scottsbluff High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps served color guard duties during Wednesday’s ceremony as well.