Nebraska State Trooper fatality on I-80

 Concerning statistics of officer mortality

It was Feb. 17, 2025, when Nebraskan State Patrol Trooper, Kyle McAcy, was struck by a snowplow on Interstate 80. On this fateful day, there were around two to four inches of snow in Lincoln and several crashes in the area. He responded to an accident involving two passenger vehicles and a snowplow. The snowplow driver was instructed to move the vehicle. However, when moving backward, it struck McAcy. By the time first aid was administered, he was already dead. This marks the first time in almost six years in which a Nebraska State Trooper has died in the line of duty. The funeral of Kyle McAcy will be held in Liberty First Credit Union Arena on February 27, 2025.

Being an officer in the line of duty is a risky job. However, the suicide rate of officers is significantly higher than felonious killings of officers. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has found that “129 law enforcement officers were killed in line-of-duty incidents in 2021. Of these, 73 died as a result of felonious acts and 56 in accidents.” The amount of officers who lost their lives to suicide is between 150 to 199 in 2021. Compared to the civilian population officers are at a 54 percent increase in suicide risk. Some risks include being exposed to traumatic events, working in a male-dominated field, having a firearm and being overworked. Although males attempt suicide at lower rates compared to females, males have a higher rate of completion. 

Gun violence is a topic that is talked about often in America, and still, the number of suicides by guns is often not talked about. In 2021, 43% of deaths by guns are murders compared to 54% of gun deaths being suicides. Officers are not the only group that have a higher risk of suicide, the U.S. Army also has the same issue. The leading cause of death in the U.S. Army is suicide. In 2014 to 2019, 35% of deaths were a result of suicide compared to 4% of deaths being the result of combat. 

The public should continue to recognize rescuers and volunteers during the world’s deadliest terrorist attack, 9/11. High levels of stress, dust, asbestos, lead and other contaminants in the air have led to over 400,000 people having higher risks of cancer or other deadly diseases. As of September 2024, more firefighters have died from 9/11–related illnesses than the firefighters in the World Trade Centers.

By: Stuart Cuateco