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Courtesy PhotoImage
Honor Guard
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Photo by George Lauby
District Judge Richard Birch
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Courtesy PhotoImage
At attention
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Photo by George Lauby
As Taps play
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Since 1886, 134 Nebraska law enforcement officers have given their lives in the line of duty. On Tuesday, officers and civilians gathered at noon in Memorial Park to pay homage to those who gave everything. “I have great respect for the officers throughout the system and the daily sacrifices they make,” Lincoln County District Judge Richard Birch told the crowd. As a judge, Birch strives to be fair and impartial and make decisions based on facts. He said everyone in law enforcement strives to do the same, but he has the relative advantage of working in the controlled environment of the court. Those on the front lines have to remain impartial in an often volatile setting that can turn violent at any time. For that, Birch expressed the utmost respect. Police and Sheriff Chaplain Gary Smith led a prayer for all the officers that work hard, care about what they do, put their lives on the line and keep Nebraska safe. There was a gun salute and taps during the ceremony. Dr. Scott French played taps. Families and friends came together to come and help support our Lincoln County sheriffs and officers. After the ceremony was over, everybody greeted and visited and thanked the officers for what they do to keep Lincoln County a safe environment. As an example of selfless service, the memory of Deputy Craig Dodge was honored Twenty-five years ago, passed away on duty a Lancaster County Sheriff’s office On March 14, 1987, Dodge responded to a report of domestic assault in Hickman. Two additional deputies were dispatched from approximately 20 minutes away. Dodge arrived, approached the building and contacted the witness who told him Hazel Reynolds had been beaten and her husband Terry Reynolds, brandishing a pistol, threatened to kill his family. Two young children were in the apartment with Reynolds. Hazel could be heard pleading with her husband. Dodge engaged the man in conversation for several minutes while stalling for time. Suddenly, Reynolds raised the gun and fired a single round, striking Dodge in the face and killing him. Dodge is a member of the Nebraska Law Enforcement Hall Of Fame.
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