Two Nebraska law enforcement officers will be attending President Trump's first State of the Union address on Tuesday with two Nebraska law makers.
Omaha Police Sergeant Jeff Kopietz, Don Bacon's guest, currently serves on the Metro Fugitive Task Force. Kopietz, a 25 year veteran of OPD's swat team, has participated in over 1,000 high risk search warrant incidents. One of those incidents claimed the life of fellow officer Kerrie Orozco. Kopietz and Orozco were attempting to arrest a suspect wanted for a shooting when the suspect started firing his gun. Sgt. Kopietz returned gunfire, killing the suspect. Kopietz would receive a Medal of Valor for his part in the events of that fateful day in May of 2015.
Congressman Bacon says he is showing his respect to Kopietz, and all first responders, by bringing him to D.C. for the speech. “Sgt. Kopietz and many of his colleagues, have honored Officer Orozco by continuing her volunteer work. Not only are they protectors of the community, they are a part of the community. I am thrilled that Sgt. Kopietz is able to join me and represent law enforcement in Nebraska.”
Senator Ben Sasse will also be bringing a revered member of Nebraska's law enforcement with him for the State of the Union address. Nebraska State Patrol Trooper John Lewis is being recognized for his humanitarian efforts after Hurricane Irma devastated Florida.
In December, Trooper Lewis led an effort to provide aid to families affected by Irma. At the time, Lewis was able to recruit and match Nebraskans with fourteen Florida families, providing relief as the recovery process was underway.
Sasse says Lewis’ efforts to aid families affected by Hurricane Irma inspired Americans across the country and made Nebraska proud. "Nebraskans know we can count on each other when we need it the most -- Trooper Lewis took that truth to another level. This past Christmas, he led an effort to match Nebraskans with families in Florida recovering from Hurricane Irma’s devastation by providing much needed supplies, relief, and holiday cheer to folks who lost nearly everything. Trooper Lewis and the Nebraskans who pitched in to help are shining examples of what make our communities so great.”