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Fallen Law Enforcement Officers Commemorated at Nebraska Housing Development

The mix of affordable and market-rate single-family homes was made possible through a unique partnership among Nebraska Housing Resource (NHR), the City of Lincoln, Fannie Mae, the Nebraska Department of Roads, Neighborhoods, Inc., the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority, local banks and other housing partners.

"Providing affordable housing options for America's working families is a top priority for the nation's home builders and for an increasing number of jurisdictions around the country," said NAHB President Bobby Rayburn. "When our police officers, firefighters, teachers and other essential community workers can live in the neighborhoods they serve, we all win. The officers we're honoring here today certainly earned that right."

Old Mill Village is being developed by NHR, a nonprofit created in 1999 by members of the Home Builders Association of Lincoln. NHR uses a mix of public and private financing from several housing partners, including the Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust Fund, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, local banks and mortgage companies, to create more "workforce housing" — homes priced for, and located where, wage-earning families need them.

Fannie Mae will purchase many of the eligible loans on homes in the development from its lender partners.

"There is no greater sacrifice than giving one's life to protect others. The families of all seven of the officers we honor here today have experienced the tragedy of losing a loved one," said Governor Johanns. "By renaming these streets to honor these heroes, we ensure that their names and sacrifices will be remembered. It allows us to honor their bravery, remember their courage and demonstrate our gratitude for their sacrifice."

"While these dedicated officers may no longer be with us in the physical sense, we know they will be with us backing us up on every call, every traffic stop; all of these officers will be with us always," said Lincoln Police Chief Tom Casady.

The streets in Old Mill Village are named after Captain Charles E. Hall, Officer Richard E. Leyden, Detective Lt. Frank H. Soukup, Detective Lt. Paul B. Whitehead, Motorcycle Officer George E. Welter, Sheriff's Sergeant Franklin Furrer and Deputy Sheriff Craig D. Dodge.

“From beginning to end, the dedication was a very emotional ceremony,” said Jim Christo, president of the Home Builders Association of Lincoln and president of Christo Design Build. “I’m very proud to be a part of an organization that is doing everything it can to build affordable homes for our hometown heroes.”