KEARNEY, NE — Law enforcement in Buffalo County are taking time to remember and to express their thanks.

The Kearney Police Department and Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office hosted their third annual Police Memorial Ceremony on Monday. It’s an emotional event for Kearney Police Chief Bryan Waugh.

“When you lose a police officer, the nation loses a loved one, the nation mourns for that loss," Waugh said. "Law enforcement, or police officers, or deputies or state troopers, are the ones that are willing to lay their lives on the line for the protection of others.”

About 100 people attended the ceremony outside the Law Enforcement Center. Local government officials spoke and offered their thanks to officers, something Waugh doesn’t take for granted.

“They realize the importance of professional law enforcement in this community," Waugh said. "They’re willing to help us do the job, provide training, equipment, support that we need to do the job effectively.”

Law enforcement speakers thanked the community for its support, especially given the challenging climate around the profession nationally. Waugh says the support is the reason the Kearney Police Department is 100 percent staffed.

“If they don’t feel supported, if they feel as though what they’re doing isn’t valued - not only from the community but also from their city council, from their leadership within their own organization - they’re probably not going to stay,” Waugh said.

Waugh says those that do choose to put on the badge become part of a greater law enforcement family, one that understands the importance and risk of the profession.

“The job of policing is a dangerous one but, ultimately, it’s one of service, it’s one of sacrifice and it’s one of genuine care for those that we serve,” Waugh said.