During the 160-year history of the Omaha Police Department, 26 officers have fallen in the line of duty protecting the citizens of Omaha.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has had two officers fall in the line of duty. The two Douglas County officers died 40 years ago, in November and December 1977, and are the only line-of-duty deaths in the 161-year history of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

These deaths occurred while the deputies were off duty and didn’t take place on a dusty county road or at a rural farmstead; rather, they occurred in the City of Omaha while protecting the citizens of Omaha.

In Las Vegas, during the mass shooting this past Oct. 1, off-duty law enforcement officers rushed to protect those around them instead of fleeing the mayhem themselves. Several off-duty law enforcement officers were shot.

One of them, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Officer Charleston Hartfield, a father of two, was attending the concert with his wife when the shooting began. Hartfield, instead of running away, ran to provide help and cover for persons who had been shot. He then fell victim to additional gunshots and lost his life.

That same scenario played out in Omaha on Nov. 26, 1977, when a mentally ill gunman entered the now-closed Club 89 and opened fire with a shotgun, just as an audience of approximately 200 was settling in for an evening comedy performance. The six shots he fired killed one person and left 25 people injured.

Killed in this long-ago shooting was off-duty Douglas County Sheriff’s Capt. Dennis Lipari, a father of six who was celebrating his anniversary along with other deputies and their wives.

When the shooting began, several persons at their table were wounded, including Lipari’s wife, Ruth. Capt. Lipari attempted to rush toward the shooter to stop him but was fatally wounded.

Just a few days later, on Dec. 2, 1977, tragedy struck again. Douglas County Deputy Charles Dobbertin was off duty in his personal vehicle, just north of downtown Omaha. Dobbertin observed an individual near a delivery truck. The man did not appear to be the driver and was acting suspiciously.

Dobbertin stopped to investigate and interrupted a theft in progress. An altercation took place, and the deputy was shot with his own service revolver. Dobbertin, a father of three, died from this wound four days later, on Dec. 6, 1977.

Much discussion has taken place recently, and much angst has been expressed, involving policing in America.

But what stands out is that law enforcement agencies continue to select brave individuals to do the job that so many criticize. Whether these brave officers died 40 years ago or today, these heroes continue to step forward into the brilliant light of danger to protect all.

Unlike others who punch a time clock or play a game, from the moment law enforcement officers take their oath, they are always on duty. Sadly, because of that, their lives are sometimes cut short.

We should all bend a knee in prayer, be thankful in remembrance for their sacrifices and salute them for a job well done.

Honor and Remember Nebraska Chapter is pleased to present this flag sponsored by the Riverside Lakes Tribute to America's 6000, to the family of Captain DSCO Dennis Lipari.