NEBRASKA CITY – The public is invited to join surviving police officer Pete Rishel for a flag presentation on the 43rd anniversary of the line-of-duty death of Nebraska City Police Officer Gary White.

Police Chief David Lacy said ceremonies like the flag presentation are important.

Lacy: “I think it’s important for the sacrifice that that individual laid on the altar of protecting the people here in Nebraska City  that we shouldn’t forget. Nobody becomes a police officer to become a martyr. But I think it’s important that people know there are good officers who join this fraternity of brotherhood and sisterhood and bad things happen to them and they give up their lives to protect the public.”

Rishel has laid wreaths at memorials for White and met with officers here in Nebraska City, but this will be the first time he has returned on the actual anniversary of White’s death, July 9.

The shotgun blasts that killed Ofc. White, severely injured Rishel. Although he survived to return to the Nebraska City police force, a later encounter  with a youth holding gun made him realize the July 9th attack had changed him forever.

Lacy: “Pete did give up some things to be a police officer. Fortunately, he survived the attack that night, but I’m sure it has affected not only him, but those of us who know him. That night kind of ended a career of what could have been for Mr. Rishel.”

The flag presentation is scheduled at 11 a.m. in front of the Rowe Safety Complex, where a tree is planted in honor of Ofc. White.