Omaha Officer Killed In The Line Of Duty

On May 20th, 2015, Officer Kerrie Orozco was called to the area around Martin Avenue in Omaha, Nebraska to do surveillance as part as the Metro Fugitive Task Force. It was around 1 p.m. on the dark and dismal day, and to all the officers responding, it seemed like just another surveillance round. But, unfortunately, Officer Orozco would not return home that night.

The Task Force was on the lookout for Marcus Wheeler, a suspect in a case of first degree assault. After the Task Force caught up with Wheeler, he fired shots at officers, one hitting Officer Orozco in the chest. Officer Jeff Kopietz fired at Wheeler after Orozco said she was hit. Officer Orozco and Wheeler were transported to trauma centers, where they both died from injuries sustained in the shooting. Officer Orozco had given birth two months ago to a premature baby girl, and was scheduled to bring home her daughter from the ICU on May 21.

The local organization Omaha Gives reportedly donated $68,115 to the Omaha Police Foundation. Orozco is remembered by friends and family as a kind-hearted woman who was willing to do anything to help others."She was a friend. A popular officer. A top notch person. And I just can’t imagine that this has even happened,but, Officer Orozco was a top notch individual and the City of Omaha owes her and her family a debt of gratitude like no other,” Officer Todd Schmaderer of the Omaha Police Department said in an interview with WOWT News, posted May 21st, 2015.

To donate to the memorial fund set up for Officer Kerrie Orozco, visit www.opd.ci.omaha.ne.us.