October 8, 2021
“We are ready for this.”
Find out what's happening in Omahafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Omaha Police Recruit Michael Bailey and 55 other recruits graduated from the Omaha Police Training Academy Friday. Bailey told Police Chief Todd Schmaderer and the recruit class, “This career is an honorable one. Classmates, we are ready!”
Schmaderer administered the oath of office to the class after six months of academy training. The new officers now begin field training. The class includes 12 officers who were previously certified law enforcement officers in Nebraska.
Find out what's happening in Omahafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“Today’s graduating class joins the Omaha Police Department during a critical time in the nation and our city’s history, as police departments all across the country are looking at the way we police,” said Chief Schmaderer. “It is my goal to have the Omaha Police Department lead the nation in professionalism, community partnerships, reduction of crime and improved quality of life.”
Lateral recruit Officer Tanner Reiss said, “We know the job hasn’t gotten easier, but the desire to protect and serve remains. We believe in this calling.”
Mayor Jean Stothert congratulated the class and asked the new officers to help each other and the citizens of Omaha.
“We are determined to work together with our community partners, to reach our common goals,” said Mayor Stothert. “Each of you now has the ability and the responsibility to help us succeed. I encourage you to support each other, learn from each other, and set an example we can all be proud of.”
“Being an Omaha Police Officer carries with it a tremendous responsibility and we treat it as such,” said Chief Schmaderer. “Through our rigorous training and accountability standards, it is imperative all Omaha Police officers conduct themselves with professionalism and a sense of guardianship and service. You have been prepared mentally, physically and emotionally for the career. Focus on the fulfillments, look for opportunities to make a difference.”
Each year, one recruit receives the Kerrie On Award, named for Officer Kerrie Orozco, who was shot and killed in the line of duty. The award recognizes Officer Orozco’s passion for youth, service to the community and professionalism. The 2021 Kerrie On Award was presented to Officer Dallas Esser.
CLASS OF 2021 Matthew Herric Curtis Frei Matthew Flores Kathryn Chalupa Michael Ough Spenser Sailors Chloey Reifschneider Kenneth Merritt II Dallin Proffitt Ashley McNeil Jerome McNichol Hunter Jones Daniel Cleveland Lucas Scott Mark Starks Michael Bailey Dominic Lombardo Rajan Ellebb Maurice Jones Noah Zendejas Jarid Freyermuth Joshua Moore Tyler Andersen Riley Williams Pablo Jiminez Ashley Jones-Landon Drema Roseberry Laura Blackwell Mark Magill, Jr. Marcos Marquez Jordan Edwards William Purcell Tristan Taylor Joseph Paczkowski, Jr Brian Nicholson Adam Munger Tanner Reiss Gianna Astorino Iris Ortiz-Pineda Jessica Walker Elliott Smith Justin Waites Dallas Esser Jonathan RieschlEh Sayler Erick Contreras Maria Rangel Camden Menephee Chad Schmigel Norbert Pieper Thomas Larsen Jameese Compton Arturo Rodriguez Derek Urban Gilberto Riveros Echague Luis Gonzalez-Reynoso
This press release was produced by the City of Omaha. The views expressed here are the author’s own.