WOWT.com on Demand
  • 6 On Your Cell
  • RSS Feeds
  • Desktop Alert
  • Text Alerts
  • Daily E-News
  • What’s on 6
  • YouCast - Submit Pics and Video
    Watch NBC Shows Online
    6 News Features
    On Your Side
    Don't miss the latest On Your Side segments.
    Family Health
    Don't miss the latest from Family Health.
    McKnight Investigates
    Catch all of McKnight Investigates here.
    Heartland's Most Wanted
    Catch all of Heartland's Most Wanted here.
    Product Recalls
    Check for threats that might be in your home.
    MarketPlace
  • Restaurants
  • Go Green!
  • Auto Map
  • Business Connections
  • Financial Advice
  • Legal Advice
  • New Home Listings
  • Your Home, Your Investment
  • Entertainment
  • Recipes
  • Education
  • Jobs
  • The Wedding Planner
  • Martha's Tip of the Day
  • Advertise With WOWT
  • Law Officers Honored Save Email Print
    Ceremony salutes those in uniform
    Posted: 4:29 PM May 15, 2008
    Last Updated: 4:29 PM May 15, 2008

    A | A | A

    Ceremonies were held in Omaha Thursday saluting those in uniform who put their lives on the line to keep the peace.

    The day is set aside to honor the men and women who serve as peace officers and to remember those who have lost their lives in service.

    Annie Welsch is the wife of a Douglas County deputy and she says the dangers are always present.

    "Can't dwell on that but it is something in the back of your mind all the time," she said. "My son always makes sure to tell his daddy he loves him and be safe when he leaves for work every night. That's just a ritual we do."

    Last year brought the most law enforcement deaths across the country since 2001.

    Omaha Police Chief Eric Buske says, "Law enforcement officers make many sacrifices in order to provide us with security and protection. In spite of the danger of their jobs they exhibit dedication and courage while serving their communities."

    Annie Welsch says, "Whether they've fallen in the line of duty or not, it is still, they've served for however many years and put their life on the line."

    More Stories
    Suspect Arrested in Attempted Murder

    Homicide Investigation

    Holiday Travel Numbers Drop

    Child Found

    Four Dead in Milwaukee Shootings

    Jesse Helms Dies

    Community Recovering From Storm

    Unwanted Water Haunts Neighborhood

    Post Your Comments
    First Name:
    Location:
    Enter Comments: characters left
    Email (optional):
    Email will not be displayed on site. For station contact purpose only.
    Read Comments
    Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
    Posted by: Jim Location: Omaha on May 20, 2008 at 01:22 PM
    Original cop running his mouth again...whats new. The comment Joden made was that the department was at a record low for applicants, which is FALSE. As reported there was a RECORD HIGH number of applicants this year.(An actual FACT) I didn't say anything about how may would be eligible after the process. Plus you are only speculating on how many are currently eligible and then only "guessing" on how many of that number will be eligible.(unless you are doing the processing) Again a typical original cop response. Thinking you are always right and running off at the mouth to let everyone know.

    Posted by: The Original Cop Location: Omaha on May 19, 2008 at 07:32 PM
    Of which only around 400 passed the test Jim. 400 out of 1500 even qualified for the FIRST PHASE of the process. Up next, physical agility obstacle course, structured interview, extensive background check including criminal and financial history, job history, all prior places you've lived, references checked etc., then a polygraph exam to see if you are honest about the information dug up in the background check. If you are still around you then have a Chief's interview. Then comes a conditional job offer. If you accept you then have to pass a medical and psychological screening. Sounds pretty easy doesn't it. Out of the 400 that passes the written test they'd be lucky to get 100 decent candidates. Seems to me we'd still be short. Those are the facts Jim.

    Posted by: Jim Location: Omaha on May 19, 2008 at 02:16 PM
    JODEN states that the department is pretty much at a record low for applicants? - better check your facts. Everything I've read indicated there was a record high number of applicants in Feb (1500 of which 900 actually tested)

    Posted by: The Original Cop Location: Omaha on May 18, 2008 at 08:07 PM
    Joden- Thanks for the support, but it's only 15% that we pay into our pensions. One of the highest in the country by the way!

    Posted by: JODEN Location: Omaha on May 17, 2008 at 01:10 AM
    Greenie...are you aware that the pension isn't all tax money, and due to not having social security to fall back on, this will pretty much equal what you are putting into your own retirement? The police are not getting any of this for free either. They put in 17% of their wage into the pension system. Go ahead and mess with the pension system. See how many people you get to continue working for this fine city, or see how many you can attract to work for the police department. Did you know that the department is pretty much at a record low for applicants? Maybe you feel comfortable with the idea of fewer police officers, when the crime rate is skyrocketing. Especially with the economy trend, it's only going to get worse as far as crime goes. If you feel safe, go hang out around 30th and Ames on a saturday night, and see how long that little bubble of naivety lasts.

    Posted by: Scott Location: Omaha on May 16, 2008 at 08:12 AM
    Thank you OPD, Sheriff's Department, and State Patrol. Thank you for keeping us safe!!

    Posted by: Greenie Location: Omaha on May 16, 2008 at 07:20 AM
    I support the police and the sacrifices they make. However, in Omaha, the pensions are way out of whack and are severely damaging the very city the police are sworn to protect. Short-term gains the police and firemen got will have long-term downward pressure on the pay of future public servants and will lead to people moving out of the metro and a lower tax base. It is shameful!

    Posted by: jp Location: bellevue on May 16, 2008 at 01:34 AM
    God bless every cop. You may not like some or any, but when you need them and you hear those sirens coming, it makes things just a little better.

    Posted by: Henry on May 15, 2008 at 09:09 PM
    It's about time the Police officers recive some recognition for thier sacrifice! Good on them! Thank you for all that you do!

    Posted by: Bill Location: Ohio on May 15, 2008 at 05:05 PM
    Thanks for the job you do. Stay alert and stay safe...

    Media Partners