OMAHA, Neb. -- The Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office unveiled a new military tribute cruiser Dec. 7, 2022, at the Omaha National Cemetery.
This is the second cruiser the sheriff’s office has dedicated in honor of military members past and present. The first cruiser started patrolling in 2018 and will be removed from the fleet because of excessive miles.
“The citizens of Sarpy County love seeing our first military tribute cruiser,” said Greg London, Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office chief deputy. “It’s a great avenue to connect with our community, especially with those that have or are serving our military.”
Kevin Krecklow, Dale LaSonde and George Funderburk from the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office volunteered to design the new cruiser to honor 10 service members who died while serving in the military.
“Without question, Sarpy County is primarily a military community and Offutt is the engine that drives our local economy,” London said. “There are 20,000 veterans that live in Sarpy County, and these proud service members, civilians and veterans honorably represent all branches of the United States Armed Forces.”
Col. Kristen Thompson, 55th Wing commander, spoke to the sheriff’s department and community leaders on how thankful and fortunate she feels that the Offutt community is supported by those who love the military.
“We are keen on taking care of our Air Force families, our veteran families, and the families of those who currently serve because they are the life blood of the Air Force, the life blood of Offutt Air Force Base, and certainly the life blood of Nebraska,” Thompson said. “We can’t do what we do without the love, support and tremendous outpouring of generosity from the community. We are fortunate to reside here and call this our home because everyone here is so loving.”
London cannot wait for the veterans in the Offutt and Sarpy County community to see the vehicle on the road.
“Sheriff Jeff Davis approved a tribute patrol cruiser that pays respect to the brave men and women who have or are currently serving in the United States Air Force, Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Coast Guard and National Guard,” London said. “These men and women, and their families, have sacrificed greatly to protect us from our adversaries throughout the world, and we are truly blessed and eternally grateful for their courage to serve our country, therefore, we are honoring them today with this beautiful cruiser.”