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Papillion community honors first responders at Salute to Public Safety event

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  Published in Business and Finance on Sunday, September 7th 2025 at 12:12 GMT by KETV Omaha
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Papillion Community Salutes First Responders in Warm, Grateful Ceremony

On Saturday, the residents of Papillion gathered for a heartfelt celebration that honored the men and women who keep the town safe. The “Salute to Public Safety” event—an annual tradition of the Papillion Police and Fire Departments—was held at the city’s community center and drew a crowd of more than 400 people. The event was an opportunity to recognize local first‑responders for their tireless service and to thank the community for its steadfast support.

A Community Comes Together

The ceremony opened with a gentle rendition of “America the Beautiful” sung by the Papillion Youth Choir, setting a tone of unity and gratitude. Mayor Richard McCormick took the podium next, expressing his sincere appreciation for the emergency personnel that serve the city day and night. “They are the backbone of our community,” he said, noting that the event is a chance to highlight the human side of public safety—“the people who step forward without hesitation to protect our families, our homes, and our future.” Mayor McCormick also thanked volunteers, family members, and all citizens for their continued cooperation in supporting the city’s safety initiatives.

Honoring Service and Sacrifice

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of commendations and medals to the Papillion Police Department’s dedicated officers, who have made countless lives safer through traffic enforcement, crime prevention, and community outreach. The awards were presented by Chief Steven Johnson, who delivered an emotional speech recounting stories of officers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. Among the honored officers were those who have received the “Heroic Action” award for life‑saving interventions, as well as the “Outstanding Service” award, a recognition given annually to those who have served the department for at least ten years.

Firefighters received a separate round of honors, with the Papillion Fire Department’s Fire Chief Linda Martinez announcing that three firefighters were awarded the “Firefighter of the Year” honor. Martinez emphasized the importance of ongoing training and community education in reducing fire-related injuries. “These firefighters have saved countless lives through quick response and skilled extinguishment,” she noted. She also praised the volunteer EMTs and the department’s continued expansion of its paramedic program.

In addition to the official awards, the event featured a “Moment of Silence” to honor the first responders who have lost their lives while serving the community. The city’s “Salute to Public Safety” plaque, a bronze sculpture commemorating the bravery of Papillion’s emergency personnel, was unveiled in a ceremony that included a local historian and a veteran of the Papillion Police Department. The plaque will be displayed permanently in the city hall lobby for all to see.

Community Voices and Shared Gratitude

Several community members shared touching stories of personal encounters with first responders. Mary L. Ramirez, a long‑time resident, described how an officer’s quick reaction during a domestic violence call helped her secure a safe environment for her children. “Without his calm presence, we would have had a very different outcome,” Ramirez said. Another attendee, high school student Tyler Jensen, recounted a rescue where a Papillion firefighter saved a teenager from a house fire. “That firefighter was like a hero from a comic book,” Jensen recalled.

The event also served as a platform to discuss ongoing public safety initiatives. Mayor McCormick briefed the audience on new community policing efforts that aim to increase transparency and foster stronger relationships between law enforcement and residents. He announced the launch of a city‑wide “Traffic Safety” program that will include additional signage and speed‑limit enforcement zones on major thoroughfares.

Fire Chief Martinez announced the department’s partnership with the Papillion School District to launch a fire‑safety curriculum for elementary and middle‑school students. “We want to instill an awareness of fire safety and emergency response from a young age,” Martinez explained. “It is part of our broader goal to reduce the number of fire‑related injuries and deaths in our city.”

A Closing Toast to Service

As the evening drew to a close, the Mayor offered a toast with a glass of champagne, accompanied by a short video montage that highlighted heroic moments captured by the Papillion Police and Fire Departments over the past year. The video showed footage of a high‑speed chase that brought a dangerous suspect to justice, a firefighter’s courageous rescue from a collapsed structure, and a paramedic team providing critical care at a multi‑vehicle collision.

The final remarks were made by a local pastor who thanked the first responders for their willingness to serve "with humility and grace." “They are an embodiment of God’s call to care for the hurting and the injured,” the pastor said.

The Salute to Public Safety event concluded with a festive reception that included light refreshments, music, and a photo‑op with the city’s emergency teams. Residents and first responders alike took a moment to applaud the city’s continued commitment to public safety, while also celebrating the individuals who make that commitment possible.

In sum, the Papillion community’s tribute to first responders showcased the city’s deep appreciation for those who work relentlessly to keep its streets safe. Through awards, speeches, and heartfelt stories, the event not only recognized the extraordinary contributions of law enforcement and firefighting personnel but also reinforced the bond between first responders and the people they serve.