KEARNEY, Neb. - A Central Nebraska city is recognizing National Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day during a ceremony that honors officers who sacrifice their safety in order to keep communities safe.

Community members gathered Monday evening outside the City of Kearney and Buffalo County Law Enforcement Center for a ceremony honoring law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

The police memorial event featured the National Anthem, a bagpipe-led wreath-laying, the playing of Taps, and a rifle salute by the Police Honor Guard.

Kearney Police Chief Bryan Waugh started the event in Kearney six years ago as a way to further the connection between cops and the community.

"Policing is a dangerous yet noble profession, one in which dedicated, brave, selfless men and women willingly volunteer to enter. They swear a solemn oath to protect and serve. In my humble opinion, there is no higher call.
In this profession, we take the time to recognize the best of us who have been killed in the line of duty. We also acknowledge and embrace those surviving families. We must never forget it," said Waugh.

The most recent police deaths in Nebraska include State Patrol Trooper Kyle McAcy, who died on February 17th of this year while working a crash on I-80 near Ashland during a snowstorm.

Ceresco Police Officer Ross Bartlett died in the line of duty in April of 2024, also while working a traffic stop.

Officials said Monday's memorial event serves as a reminder of the sacrifices officers make both across the state and country.