Joseph Sanchez Earns Board of Regents KUDOS Award

The University of Nebraska Board of Regents presented Officer Joseph Sanchez, who serves the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) through the Department of Public Safety, with a KUDOS Award on Thursday. The award follows Officer Sanchez’s continued devotion to keeping UNO safe, and his willingness to go the extra mile for his community.

Officer Sanchez has been recognized by his peers for setting a positive example for his fellow officers to model in serving the university and Omaha communities. He continuously demonstrates UNO’s core values through his dedication to excellence, and his never-waiving integrity.

“His actions set the tone and example for all of UNO Public Safety.” His nominator wrote. “Additionally, faculty, staff, and students can look to his example of helping others as a way of life and practice in their educational and professional pursuits.”

There is no better example of Officer Sanchez demonstrating Maverick Spirit than his response to an emergency situation in November 2022, he went far beyond the call of duty in saving the life of an individual in responding to a suicidal party on the top of a University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) parking garage.

Upon arrival at the scene, Officer Sanchez observed an individual standing on the ledge outside of a guardrail. Officer Sanchez made his presence known to the individual and identified himself as a UNO police officer. He did not hesitate, and patiently engaged the individual in crisis, slowly earning their trust. With the assistance of two Omaha Police officers, the individual was assisted back over the guard rail, where they transported the individual into emergency protective custody.

“He knew nothing of the individual who needed assistance, he did not hesitate to engage them, gain their trust, and eventually help them obtain the lifesaving assistance they needed in a time of crisis.” wrote Officer Sanchez’s nominator.

For his commitment to demonstrating his Maverick Spirit and going above and beyond the call of duty, Officer Sanchez has fully earned this recognition.

Congratulations, Officer Sanchez!

KUDOS Award Nominations

The University of Nebraska KUDOS award recognizes the accomplishments of outstanding employees and is presented six times a year during NU Board of Regents meetings.

Do you want to submit a nominee for KUDOS? Use the People Are Everything software by clicking on the tile in Firefly under Self Service.