Remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice

Trooper Kevin Horst was recovering in an Ogallala hospital at last report, and we all should be grateful.

Horst, 42, a four-year veteran of the Nebraska State Patrol, stopped a suspected drunk driver on U.S. Highway 30 near Roscoe, when the driver shot himself, the bullet passing through his head and striking Horst in the shoulder.

The driver, who reportedly was depressed and had lung cancer, was killed instantly.

We all have stress associated with our jobs, but few of us face such traumatic incidents as described above.

We're thankful people like Horst are around, doing what they can to preserve the peace, protect innocent people from harm and see to it that those guilty of crimes are brought to justice.

As unusual as the Roscoe incident was, it's not unusual for civilian law enforcement people to put their lives on the line in the performance of their duties.

Gov. Dave Heineman is reminding us of that with his call for each of us to observe Peace Officers' Memorial Day this Saturday.

"I appreciate the work of all the officers who serve the citizens and communities of our state," Heineman said. "They have made Nebraska a better place, and we are very grateful for all that they do. We honor their bravery and we remember their courage. This day is an opportunity to show our gratitude for their service and sacrifice."

Although flags are traditionally lowered to half staff in rememberance of the more than 19,000 law enforcement officers who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty, that won't happen this year because Peace Officers Memorial Day coincides with Armed Forces Day, another occasion for pride and gratitude.

Some 131 Nebraska peace officers have lost their lives in the line of duty since 1866, including federal, state, county, municipal and tribal agency officers, as well as railroad, Game and Parks and correctional officers.

Take some time this Saturday to think about those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.