Home > Awards > Officer of the Quarter > 2010 > Franks, 2010 Second Quarter

Officer Banks, Officer of the Second Quarter

The Excellence in Law Enforcement Committee has selected Officer Banks as Officer of the 2nd Quarter. Ofc Banks had demonstrated performance above and beyond that, which is routinely expected.

Since his arrival at the high schools as an S.R.O., Ofc. Banks has dedicated a large amount of his time towards mentoring the kids who attend these schools in order to keep them out of trouble and put them on the path to success. Ofc. Banks does this not for the recognition, but because he truly cares about their welfare, often times at his own expense. In the high school, he is a volunteer football and weight lifting coach. He volunteers, along with the kids he mentors, at the Open Door Mission, Nebraska Humane Society, Hillcrest Nursing Home, Bellevue Christian Center, Central Elementary School Bingo Night, and Family Fun Night. He conducts jail tours to at risk youths and sets up meal plans for students so they receive proper nutrition. He reads to children at Chandler View Elementary School, spends time at the Salvation Army Angel Tree, collects can goods for the Food Pantry, and sponsors meals for the less fortunate at Christmas. He also serves on the Board of Directors of R.E.S.P.E.C.T., which uses the theater to reach out to kids.

Due to his work in this area, he has become a role model for high school students, taking special interest in their growth and achievements. As a result of his efforts, he was recognized on June 22nd, 2010, by the Omaha World Herald, as a “Under 40 Young Professionals in our Community.” Therefore, he is awarded the Officer of the 2nd Quarter 2010.

Honorable Mentions

Ofc Gray and Ofc Flohrschutz have been selected as Honorable Mention for the 2nd Quarter.

On April 3rd, 2010, Ofc Gray and his partner Rico, went to the area of Avery Hills, to assist the Sarpy County Sheriffs Office in looking for a missing 3 year old male. Upon their arrival, they immediately began looking for the child. Approx one mile south of Cornhusker Road, along the railroad tracks, Rico alerted after an hour of searching. Ofc Gray then climbed a steep bank and called out, hearing a child starting to cry. The child was then found by Officer Gray. Without the use of Rico, and Ofc Grays abilities, the child easily would have been missed. However, due to their teamwork, the child was found safe and returned to his parents unharmed. Ofc. Gray and Rico are commended for this very positive outcome.

On May 23rd, 2010, Ofc Flohrschutz, along with other officers, were dispatched to Ft. Crook Road South, in reference to a drive by shooting. Officers were informed the suspect vehicle was a gold Pontiac Grand Am. Upon their arrival in the area, they then began investigating the incident. Information was obtained concerning suspect(s) who reside in Omaha. Ofc Flohrschutz then took one of the victims into Omaha in an attempt to locate the residence. As they arrived in the area, they observed the suspect vehicle. Ofc. Flohrschutz then had dispatch contact OPD to have them en route to assist. While waiting for OPD, the suspects left in the car. Ofc. Flohrschutz then followed the vehicle for over 10 minutes while waiting for OPD to arrive. Upon contact with the vehicle, OPD performed a felony traffic stop. A search was then conducted and a 6 shot .22 revolver was recovered from the vehicle, with 5 spent shells in the cylinder, as well as, a short shotgun and a large amount of marijuana packaged for sale. Due to his efforts, dangerous parties were taken off of the street that night.

According to Ofc Flohrschutz’s supervisor, he is a very hard working and dependable officer. Always putting forth a good effort and keeping a good balance between case investigations and traffic enforcement. For the month of May, he had the highest number of case reports completed, as well as, traffic contacts on his team. In June, he had the highest number of traffic contacts and the second highest case completions for the month on his team. He also leads the entire department with 23 DUI arrests so far this year.