Mom Cop Kerrie Orozco Killed One Day Before Maternity Leave

Officer Kerrie Orozco of the Omaha Police Department was killed in the line of duty on Wednesday; just one day before she was going to start her maternity leave with her baby daughter.

Mom Cop Kerrie Orozco Shot And Killed Hours Before Maternity Leave

Orozco was 29 years old and mere hours from taking her infant daughter, Olivia Ruth Orozco, home from the hospital when she was shot by suspect Marcus Wheeler, who also died of gunshot wounds. Orzco gave birth to her daughter prematurely on February 17, 2015, and had put off taking time off for her maternity leave until her daughter could be brought home from the hospital. She is survived by her infant daughter, her husband, Hector Orozco, two stepchildren, Natalie and Santiago.

The Omaha Police Department is mourning Officer Orozco on Facebook, sharing photos of Orozco. During her 7-year career with the Omaha Police Department, Orozco used her bilingual skills to help as a Spanish interpreter and was working with the Gang Unit when she died. She was also active in the community, coaching basketball at the North Omaha Boys and Girls Club and volunteering with the Special Olympics.

“Officer Kerrie Orozco was not only a top notch police officer but she gave back to the community in so many ways. In today’s press conference, Chief Schmaderer stated that the community owes a great deal to such a wonderful person. Her loss will not only impact the police officers but will also be a huge loss for the citizens of Omaha,” wrote the Department on Facebook.

After the Omaha Police Department announced Orozco’s death, many reached out to ask how they could help her family care for her infant daughter. The Sarpy County Sherriffs Department is accepting donations of diapers and other items, and donations to the Orozco Family are being taken by the Omaha Police Foundation and the Omaha Police Credit Union. According to the Omaha Police Department Facebook page, the mother of Orozco’s stepchildren has contacted the department and asked that all donations go to Olivia Ruth, Orzoco’s baby daughter, noting that she appreciates the donations, but is more thankful for any emotional support for her children at this time.

Article by Olivia Truffaut-Wong

Olivia Truffaut-Wong was born and raised in Berkeley, California, where she developed her love of all things entertainment. After moving to New York City to earn her degree in Film Studies, she stayed on the East Coast to follow her passion and become an entertainment writer. She lives on a diet of television, movies and food.