Omaha Police Pay Tribute to Officer Killed Hours Before Maternity Leave

Police in Nebraska have paid tribute to a slain officer on the sixth anniversary of her death, which occurred just hours before she was due to go on maternity leave.

Kerrie Orozco was 29 and about to go on leave to look after her baby daughter, who had been born weeks earlier, when she was shot and killed while attempting to serve a felony warrant to a suspect.

Her death, in May 2015, followed the premature birth of her daughter, Olivia Ruth, in February. She had been with the Omaha Police Department for seven years.

Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer said at the time that Orozco had been in pursuit of suspect Marcus D. Wheeler, 26, when he began shooting at police.

Officers returned fire, hitting Wheeler. Orozco and Wheeler were both pronounced dead at Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha.

The city's police department has since established an award in Orozco's name for a graduate officer who displays "the highest work ethic and community impact through volunteer work and relationships."

In 2019, the Kerrie Orozco Memorial Ball Field was opened in her memory in Omaha and a bridge in her hometown, Walnut in Iowa, has been named after her.

In a statement on Facebook, Omaha Police Department said: "6 years ago today we tragically lost Officer Kerrie Orozco when she was shot and killed in the line of duty.

"Kerrie was loved by all. To this day, one recruit academy graduate from each class is selected for the "Kerrie On" Award. To earn this award the graduate must display the highest work ethic and community impact through volunteer work and relationships. This award honors Kerrie, who made a positive impact on every life she touched.

"If Kerrie impacted your life, please leave a comment to honor her memory. Kerrie On."

The post prompted an outpouring of support on Facebook.

"This was a tragic day, will never forget it. Thank you Kerrie for your love and service protecting us. You were a hero," wrote one.

"Kerrie was a friend of mine since I met her in elementary school. We grew up together in the same small town class of 25, played sports together, and attending faith activities. She was always the sweetest soul," said another.

"I was at the Omaha VA waiting for an appointment and watching the news when it was reported an officer had been shot and was critically injured," wrote a third.

"I didn't know male or female, or have a name but I prayed as hard as I could. I was devastated when I learned she hadn't made it, especially when it was revealed she was a brand new mom about to start maternity leave the next day. She was a true hero and obviously served her community very well."