Law Enforcement Appreciation Banquet hosted in Kearney

KEARNEY —The Law Enforcement Appreciation Banquet honoring the Kearney Police Department, Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office and Nebraska State Patrol was hosted at the Younes Conference Center North on Thursday, Aug 1.

The event was hosted by the Friends of Law Enforcement, that was founded to honor area law enforcement officials and the work that they do day in and day out.

In previous years, the appreciation night had taken on the form of an outdoor picnic, with various demonstrations by law enforcement. Last year was the first time it had been hosted as a banquet at the Younes Conference Center North.

The proceeds go to a scholarship fund that the Friends of Law Enforcement presents to area students who are interested in entering the law enforcement profession. Scholarship applications are available at the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce.

“The Law Enforcement Scholarship is for young individuals desiring to study criminal justice or a related field. We need to consider the next generation of law enforcement and continue the recognized culture and relationships we have with them. Our involvement can be a testimony for the entirety of the country, proving that supporting law enforcement is key to having a safe environment,” the Friends of Law Enforcement stated.

One of the speakers at the event at Lt. Governor Joe Kelly, who was sworn into the position on Jan. 5, 2023. Kelly is a native of Lexington and prior to his posting as Lt. Governor, was appointed as the United States Attorney for Nebraska where he served until February 2021.

The guest speaker was “Cowboy Poet” Ronald Paul Smith, a Broken Bow native, who is a dedicated rancher, poet and advocate for the western lifestyle.

Smith has performed across the United States and Canada, promoting the western legacy through his poetry, which reflects the values of faith, family and integrity.

The special guest was Allen Beermann, a past Secretary of State who served six terms from 1971 to 1991.

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