Honoring Mary Kirchofer: A Lifetime of Service and Mental Health Advocacy

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Honoring Mary Kirchofer

The First Responders Foundation is honored to recognize Mary Kirchofer, whose tireless dedication to the mental health and well-being of first responders has made a profound impact on the Omaha Police Department (OPD) and beyond.

A Career Dedicated to Service

Mary’s journey began with her education at the University of Nebraska at both Lincoln and Omaha campuses, culminating in a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work in 1994. Mary previously began her career as a Police Officer in 1992 with the City of Omaha, a path that would lead her to roles of increasing responsibility within OPD.

After years of serving in Uniform Patrol, including a specialized assignment in the Weed and Seed Unit focusing on gang and narcotics activity, Mary was promoted to Sergeant in 1998. Her experience managing employees with injuries or serious medical conditions led her to recognize the need for a liaison position within the Police Department. In 2003, she became the first Employee Resources Sergeant, a role she held until her retirement in 2016.

Championing Mental Health for First Responders

During her tenure, Mary observed the significant mental health challenges faced by police officers, especially those exposed to critical incidents. Her research and advocacy led to the implementation of OPD’s Peer Support Team (PST) in 2013, under the leadership of Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer. This program, composed of trained peers who provide immediate support to fellow officers in distress, has since expanded to over 100 trained employees and has inspired similar initiatives in other law enforcement agencies.

Mary’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2018, the U.S. Congress passed the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act, providing federal funding to support mental health resources for law enforcement. Mary played a key role in securing grants for OPD in 2019, 2020, and 2022, overseeing various projects aimed at enhancing the mental health support available to officers and their families.

A Personal Commitment to Community

Mary’s dedication to service extends beyond her professional life. Born and raised in Omaha, she is the eldest of five siblings and a graduate of Gross Catholic High School. She has been married for 27 years to Dave Kirchofer, a Captain and Paramedic with the Omaha Fire Department. Together, they have raised three children: Madeline, Daniel, and Evan. The Kirchofer family is deeply committed to their community, actively supporting mental health initiatives, particularly those related to addiction and suicide prevention.

Continuing the Legacy

Mary’s leadership and passion for mental health have paved the way for lasting change within OPD. Her work has ensured that first responders have access to the mental health resources they need to continue serving their communities effectively. As the current grant cycle comes to an end, OPD has committed to hiring a permanent Peer Support Specialist to continue Mary’s legacy of support.

We invite you to join us in honoring Mary Kirchofer at the 9/11 Luncheon of Honor, as we celebrate her contributions to the well-being of first responders and her unwavering commitment to service.

First Responders Foundation

The mission of the First Responders Foundation is to serve and honor all our First Responders, Veterans and their families; build appreciation and respect for their work; and enhance public safety. For more information, visit First Responders Foundation, or contact us.

Honoring Mary Kirchofer: A Lifetime of Service and Mental Health Advocacy

Aug 26, 2024

Honoring Mary Kirchofer

The First Responders Foundation is honored to recognize Mary Kirchofer, whose tireless dedication to the mental health and well-being of first responders has made a profound impact on the Omaha Police Department (OPD) and beyond.

A Career Dedicated to Service

Mary’s journey began with her education at the University of Nebraska at both Lincoln and Omaha campuses, culminating in a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work in 1994. Mary previously began her career as a Police Officer in 1992 with the City of Omaha, a path that would lead her to roles of increasing responsibility within OPD.

After years of serving in Uniform Patrol, including a specialized assignment in the Weed and Seed Unit focusing on gang and narcotics activity, Mary was promoted to Sergeant in 1998. Her experience managing employees with injuries or serious medical conditions led her to recognize the need for a liaison position within the Police Department. In 2003, she became the first Employee Resources Sergeant, a role she held until her retirement in 2016.

Championing Mental Health for First Responders

During her tenure, Mary observed the significant mental health challenges faced by police officers, especially those exposed to critical incidents. Her research and advocacy led to the implementation of OPD’s Peer Support Team (PST) in 2013, under the leadership of Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer. This program, composed of trained peers who provide immediate support to fellow officers in distress, has since expanded to over 100 trained employees and has inspired similar initiatives in other law enforcement agencies.

Mary’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2018, the U.S. Congress passed the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act, providing federal funding to support mental health resources for law enforcement. Mary played a key role in securing grants for OPD in 2019, 2020, and 2022, overseeing various projects aimed at enhancing the mental health support available to officers and their families.

A Personal Commitment to Community

Mary’s dedication to service extends beyond her professional life. Born and raised in Omaha, she is the eldest of five siblings and a graduate of Gross Catholic High School. She has been married for 27 years to Dave Kirchofer, a Captain and Paramedic with the Omaha Fire Department. Together, they have raised three children: Madeline, Daniel, and Evan. The Kirchofer family is deeply committed to their community, actively supporting mental health initiatives, particularly those related to addiction and suicide prevention.

Continuing the Legacy

Mary’s leadership and passion for mental health have paved the way for lasting change within OPD. Her work has ensured that first responders have access to the mental health resources they need to continue serving their communities effectively. As the current grant cycle comes to an end, OPD has committed to hiring a permanent Peer Support Specialist to continue Mary’s legacy of support.

We invite you to join us in honoring Mary Kirchofer at the 9/11 Luncheon of Honor, as we celebrate her contributions to the well-being of first responders and her unwavering commitment to service.

First Responders Foundation

The mission of the First Responders Foundation is to serve and honor all our First Responders, Veterans and their families; build appreciation and respect for their work; and enhance public safety. For more information, visit First Responders Foundation, or contact us.

Honoring Mary Kirchofer: A Lifetime of Service and Mental Health Advocacy

Aug 26, 2024

Honoring Mary Kirchofer

The First Responders Foundation is honored to recognize Mary Kirchofer, whose tireless dedication to the mental health and well-being of first responders has made a profound impact on the Omaha Police Department (OPD) and beyond.

A Career Dedicated to Service

Mary’s journey began with her education at the University of Nebraska at both Lincoln and Omaha campuses, culminating in a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work in 1994. Mary previously began her career as a Police Officer in 1992 with the City of Omaha, a path that would lead her to roles of increasing responsibility within OPD.

After years of serving in Uniform Patrol, including a specialized assignment in the Weed and Seed Unit focusing on gang and narcotics activity, Mary was promoted to Sergeant in 1998. Her experience managing employees with injuries or serious medical conditions led her to recognize the need for a liaison position within the Police Department. In 2003, she became the first Employee Resources Sergeant, a role she held until her retirement in 2016.

Championing Mental Health for First Responders

During her tenure, Mary observed the significant mental health challenges faced by police officers, especially those exposed to critical incidents. Her research and advocacy led to the implementation of OPD’s Peer Support Team (PST) in 2013, under the leadership of Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer. This program, composed of trained peers who provide immediate support to fellow officers in distress, has since expanded to over 100 trained employees and has inspired similar initiatives in other law enforcement agencies.

Mary’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2018, the U.S. Congress passed the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act, providing federal funding to support mental health resources for law enforcement. Mary played a key role in securing grants for OPD in 2019, 2020, and 2022, overseeing various projects aimed at enhancing the mental health support available to officers and their families.

A Personal Commitment to Community

Mary’s dedication to service extends beyond her professional life. Born and raised in Omaha, she is the eldest of five siblings and a graduate of Gross Catholic High School. She has been married for 27 years to Dave Kirchofer, a Captain and Paramedic with the Omaha Fire Department. Together, they have raised three children: Madeline, Daniel, and Evan. The Kirchofer family is deeply committed to their community, actively supporting mental health initiatives, particularly those related to addiction and suicide prevention.

Continuing the Legacy

Mary’s leadership and passion for mental health have paved the way for lasting change within OPD. Her work has ensured that first responders have access to the mental health resources they need to continue serving their communities effectively. As the current grant cycle comes to an end, OPD has committed to hiring a permanent Peer Support Specialist to continue Mary’s legacy of support.

We invite you to join us in honoring Mary Kirchofer at the 9/11 Luncheon of Honor, as we celebrate her contributions to the well-being of first responders and her unwavering commitment to service.

First Responders Foundation

The mission of the First Responders Foundation is to serve and honor all our First Responders, Veterans and their families; build appreciation and respect for their work; and enhance public safety. For more information, visit First Responders Foundation, or contact us.

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