Police Memorial Month

May is National Police Memorial Month. It is deeply moving to hear of the selfless courage and heroism exhibited by officers who lost their lives while serving and protecting the citizens of Omaha. Because of this we want to pay tribute to them here at the Omaha Public Library.

There are several places to read the stories of these brave officers.

Below are links to local and national websites.

Omaha Police Department

Fallen Officers in Nebraska
Fallen Officers in Omaha

Nebraska Law Enforcement Memorial

Officer Down Memorial Page

Our case contains a collection loaned to us by one of our retired police officers.

He has a collection of many officer patches from around the world.

We have a list of all of the Omaha Police Officers who have died in the line of duty.

Three patches from the southern states of Louisiana, Georgia, and South Carolina.

More patches

A 1931 Omaha Police Department Annual Report

Four police batons used through time. The one on the right is a collapsible baton that is used today.

 

Years ago, police officers were required to wear their hats at all times. However, because of safety, the policy changed and officers could wear them voluntarily.

Bag used for Gang Resistance Education and Training

Different pins collected

Challenge Coins

We are borrowing several items from the Omaha Police Department's supply room.

They are so generous. Thanks!

Riot helmets.

The blue one is the older version that is not bullet proof.

Pepper spray and handcuffs

Officer's jacket

Bullet-proof vest with assorted hat shields.

House of Trains

David and Marcie Mrsny from the House of Trains did a wonderful display for us! They wanted to go above and beyond by displaying a wonderful "moving" train display. Because we didn't have an electrical outlet in our display case, they weren't able to do it. But... next year, hopefully, we will think of another way. :)

David put the largest and smallest train side by side to show the contrast between the Z gauge train, which is the smallest, and the G gauge train, which is the largest. He made a great sign to explain the differences. 

Our large display case contained an eclectic assortment of train paraphernalia. 

The Union Pacific headquarters is located right across the street from our library. Because of this, David and Marcie focused the display on the Union Pacific trains and some of their history. 

Older map of the Union Pacific Railroad connections

David explained to me that these trains are called "fallen flags," a term meaning those railroads whose corporate name has been dissolved through merger, bankruptcy or liquidation. At one time in the United States there were nearly 140 Class I railroads (that is, those with at least $1 million annual operating revenue at that time), and today these are commonly known as the fallen flags or “classic” railroads.

http://www.american-rails.com/index.html

It really adds to a display to see scale-size trees next to the trains.

 Although it is hard to see in this picture, the bottom of the display case had trains lined up side by side just like at a railroad train yard.

This was a fabulous display. Thanks, David and Marcie!