Nebraska paid its final respects to State Patrol Trooper Kyle McAcy on Thursday morning, as mourners gathered to honor his service and sacrifice.
Procession and Funeral Service
At 8:30 a.m., traffic was closed along a 3.5-mile route for the funeral procession. At 9 a.m., sections of West Center Road, 60th Street, L Street, 72nd Street, and P Street were closed as McAcy’s casket was escorted from Westlawn-Hilcrest Funeral Home to Liberty First Credit Union Arena in Ralston, where the funeral was held.
The service began at 11 a.m. and was livestreamed for those unable to attend.
McAcy’s patrol cruiser was moved from the Nebraska State Patrol’s Troop A Headquarters to the arena as a memorial, where the public was invited to leave flowers and other tributes for his family.
Governor Jim Pillen ordered flags across Nebraska to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset in McAcy’s honor.
Law Enforcement and Community Support
Law enforcement officers from across the country—including those from Wyoming, North Dakota, and Texas—traveled to Omaha to pay their respects. Firefighters also attended, underscoring the unity among first responders.
“We’re all one family,” said Vince Sunde, assistant chief of the Valley Fire Department. “We work with these guys every day on the highways. Supporting his family and the State Patrol means the world to us.”
Yutan firefighter Dave Osborn shared the challenges of first responders.
“Every call is different, and every call has its own challenges,” he said. “That’s what we signed up to do.”
McAcy’s passing hit close to home for many.
“We were actually on an accident that same day with Trooper McAcy,” Sunde recalled. “He was there with us, and then had to leave for another call. That really hits close to home.”
A Community in Mourning
Supporters lined the sidewalks of Ralston to honor McAcy and show appreciation for all first responders.
“They put their lives on the line 24 hours a day,” said Christy Vann. “If we didn’t have our first responders, we’d be in a very bad place. They risk everything, even in situations like this—helping someone during a winter storm.”
Dawn Cipriana reflected on officers’ broader role in the community.
“They’re not just enforcing laws,” she said. “I’ve seen them play basketball with kids, help stranded motorists—they’re always there for us, and we should be there for them.”
John Palensky, who has friends in law enforcement, felt compelled to pay his respects.
“You never know if they’re coming back when they go out on duty,” he said. “Unfortunately, this time, Trooper McAcy didn’t.”
Retired Omaha Police Officer David Carlson watched the procession with mixed emotions.
“I’m proud of my big blue family and the support we give each other and the community,” he said. “It’s sad, but we’re here to support him and his family.”
Remembering Kyle McAcy
Trooper Kyle McAcy was killed on February 17 while responding to a crash on Interstate 80 near Ashland during a winter storm. A 60-year-old Fremont woman, Louise Field, also lost her life that day.
Born in Omaha, McAcy graduated from Millard West High School and served with the Nebraska State Patrol for 10 years. His family described him as funny, charismatic, and compassionate. He also volunteered at Children’s Nebraska in his free time.
“Kyle thrived on being with people and helping people,” his mother, Teresa, said. “It made my heart happy to see how much he cared about everyone.”
As a teenager, McAcy participated in the Omaha Explorers Program. His mentor, Nebraska State Trooper Keith Bell, remembered him as an eager and determined young man.
“He was very inquisitive, always asking questions,” Bell said. “The first time I met him, he introduced himself and said, ‘Hi, I am Kyle, and I will be helping you today.’ That’s just who he was.”
How to Honor His Legacy
Donations in McAcy’s memory can be made [here]. His family has stated that funds raised will be donated to Children’s Nebraska.
