The 7:07-a.m. report w/KJAN News Director Ric Hanson
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Donations continue to pour in for the family of slain Omaha Police Officer Kerrie Orozco. According to the Omaha World-Herald, the Omaha Police Foundation had collected more than $150,000, as of Thursday. At the same time, a college fund for Orozco’s infant daughter, Olivia Ruth, had brought in $19,000. The college savings account was set up by the foundation and First National Bank of Omaha.
Dr. Jack Lewis, the foundation’s president, said checks have been coming in from all over the country. The 29-year old Orozco was working on a fugitive task force the afternoon of May 20th, when Marcus Wheeler, a man wanted on a felony shooting warrant, opened fire on police trying to apprehend him near 30th Street and Martin Avenue. Police Sgt. Jeff Kopietz returned fire, fatally wounding Wheeler. One of Wheeler’s shots hit Orozco, who died shortly afterward at the hospital.
The community response to her death began immediately, as people expressed grief and support for Orozco, who also was widely recognized for her volunteer work, especially with at-risk youths. Most of the contributions at first were from individual donors, a foundation spokeswoman said. Now, many of the contributions are coming from community organizations and businesses.
Next week, the La Vista, Nebraska, Volunteer Firefighters Association plans to give the foundation a check for $6,600. The group collected the money from its beer tents sales at the city’s Salute to Summer festival over Memorial Day weekend. An Omaha painting studio is hosting a benefit for the family as well. The business already has donated the event’s registration fees — $1,470 — to the Orozco fund.
People who still wish to donate to the family can visit omahapolicefoundation.com. To donate to baby Olivia’s college fund, visit any First National branch.
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