Kerrie Sue Orozco was a native of Southwest Iowa. Born in 1985, Kerrie graduated from Walnut Community School in Walnut, IA. She was very active in high school sports, clubs and community events. After high school, Kerrie earned a criminal justice degree from Bellevue University. She graduated from the Omaha Police Academy on May 15, 2008. After performing various duties with OPD, Kerrie accepted the opportunity to become a Gang Unit Officer and worked in collaboration with the US Marshals.
Kerrie was passionate about helping area youth. She coached a baseball team at the Boys and Girls Club of North Omaha among many other volunteer roles. It was her habit while patrolling the streets to get out of her cruiser to challenge kids in a game of basketball or recruit them to her baseball team. Of course, Kerrie was not after filling roster spots with blue-chip athletes. She was more interested in finding ways to better their lives, letting kids know the community cared for them, and giving them hope when all else seemed hopeless to them.
Detective Orozco proudly served the City of Omaha for 6 ½ years before she was shot and killed in the line of duty. Her self-giving life has inspired many. The recipient of the Detective Kerrie Orozco First Responders Scholarship has a unique opportunity to contribute to Kerrie’s legacy and make a lasting contribution to our community.
