Officer Remains In Very Critical Condition
Family is hoping for a miracle
Omaha police officer Jason Pratt remains in extremely critical condition at Creighton University Medical Center. The 30-year-old officer was wounded in a shooting late Thursday.While Omaha's acting police chief has said the situation for Officer Pratt does not look good, family and friends continue to pray for a miracle.
Officer Remains In Very Critical Condition
Suspect had long criminal record
Omaha police officer Jason "Tye" Pratt remains in extremely critical condition at Creighton University Medical Center.
The 30-year-old officer was wounded in a shooting shortly before 10 o'clock, last Thursday night. He was assisting in a traffic stop, looking for the fleeing suspect, 21-year-old Albert Rucker when Rucker opened fire and Officer Pratt went down. Police fired back and Rucker was wounded. Rucker died in the hospital approximately four hours later.
While Omaha's acting police chief has said the situation for Officer Pratt does not look good, family and friends continue to pray for a miracle. Officer Pratt's cousin, Jeanie Harrell, says, "Tye is an outstanding police officer and a wonderful man with an endearing laugh and a heart filled with love for his family and friends."
Harrell says that Rucker, "should not have been on the streets with his criminal record." Harrell is not the only one who has made that point. Rucker's first contact with police came when he was 12-years-old. He was caught shoplifting and that set the stage for growingly aggressive crimes. City Prosecutor Marty Conboy says Rucker's record shows a man on the wrong path.
He says, "That is a recipe for trouble when young kids have a violent tendency, a disregard for the law and they've always got weapons. That's a very dangerous scenario." In April, 2001, Rucker was involved in a fight at a metro convenience store. He was shot in the leg and several witnesses were caught in a cross-fire.
The charges stemming from that April incident were dropped but Conboy says that doesn't mean the system failed. He says, "He had a felony warrant out for him when this happened. It wasn't as if he'd been ignored it just was a matter of catching up with him before something terrible happened."
Conboy says he that every charge his office brought against Rucker and by the age of 21, Rucker had been in jail a dozen times. Several felony charges were dismissed because either someone else took the fall or the victims were uncooperative. The city prosecutor says that there are probably another 200 people with similar histories on the streets of Omaha.
Meanwhile, Officer Pratt's family keeps waiting, hoping and praying.
Jeanie Harrell says, "The Omaha Police Department has been exceptional throughout this ordeal, providing us with everything we might possibly need to get through this situation. I'm so proud that Tye is a part of this group of outstanding men and women who protect us every day with their own lives."
Officer Still In Extremely Critical Condition
Injured a week ago
Officials with Creighton University Medical Center say that Omaha police officer Jason "Tye" Pratt remains in extremely critical condition a week after being shot in the head while trying to apprehend 21-year-old Albert Rucker. Rucker was pulled over in a traffic stop and fled on foot.
The 30-year-old Pratt was one of two officers who came in to provide backup. Pratt was shot and another officer then fired at Rucker. Rucker died some four hours later.
The police union is hosting a benefit dinner for the Pratt family on Sunday. It's the union hall at 134th and Cryer. The cost is $10 per person and $20 dollars per family. The benefit runs from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m.
All of the money raised will go to officer Pratt's wife Stacy and the couple's two children. The city is paying his medical expenses.
Lincoln police have established a second fund for the Pratt family. Donations can be made at any Pinnacle Bank in the state. Jason Pratt's brother, Mike Pratt, has been an officer with the Lincoln Police Department for 10 years.
Prayer Service Held For Wounded Officer
Jason Pratt remains in extremely critical condition
Dozens gathered to pray Sunday night for Omaha Police Officer Jason Pratt who continues to fight for his life at Creighton University Medical Center. Pratt was shot in the head Thursday night while trying to apprehend a wanted man.
St. John's Lutheran Church in Bennington is where Jason and his wife Stacy were married, where both of their children were baptized, and where they once again had started worshiping after deciding to move back to the community. The family recently sold their home in Iowa and was building a home in Bennington. Their preacher saw them in church just days ago and Sunday night he asked Omaha to pray for the Pratt family. "Very good man inside," said Pastor James Price. "Heard many police officers talk about his faith and how he brings that into his whole life. Very dedicated as far as a police officer. You can see his professionalism, you can see his strength." Pastor Price also spoke about Pratt's love of being a father. "You could see his involvement in that and his joy. Just two weeks ago he was chasing Madison around." With song, words, and prayer, a community focused on one thought. "We understand the severity of his injuries and we really are praying for a miracle," said Pastor Price. "It's going to take a miracle. It's really in that realm that it's beyond our ability to do anything. Certainly there are the best doctors and nurses working on Jason, but it's really in God's hands what happens now."
The suspect who shot Officer Pratt, 21-year-old Albert Rucker of Omaha, was fatally shot by another police officer. A grand jury will investigate Rucker's death.
Community Shows Support For Pratt Family
Officer remains in extremely critical condition
The outpouring of financial support continues for the family of Officer Jason "Tye" Pratt.
The 7-year veteran of the Omaha Police Department was shot in the line of duty last Thursday night and remains in extremely critical condition.
Police headquarters and the police union have been getting calls asking if donations made to the Jason Pratt family assistance fund are going to help pay medical expenses.
That's not the case. Officer Pratt was on duty when he was shot and the City of Omaha is paying for his medical care. Omaha police say they're amazed by the generosity to the family assistance fund. They say the money will be used by the family to help them meet their needs.
If anything can lift spirits in such a difficult situation, the people of Omaha have.
Lieutenant Tim Conahan has been Officer Pratt's supervisor for the past three years and he says, "That just amazes us what the community is willing to give and the support that it shows. We don't see that every day in our normal day to day duties. You know it seems like when something tragic happens people of Omaha and the community of Omaha really steps up to the plate. They don't realize, maybe they do realize, how comforting that is to all police officers and to Jason's family." Lt. Conahan says Officer Pratt would always be the first to volunteer on the SWAT team. He's described as a hard worker who always smiles.
The police department appreciates the outpouring of financial support for the family but they're also asking for prayers. Lt. Conahan says, "Jason's in grave condition right now and the only thing we can do and the family can do is pray. And so we feel the more prayers the good Lord hears, the better chance for survival."
The church that the Pratt family attends has made space for a prayer chapel for the officer. St. John's Lutheran Church in Bennington is inviting anyone to stop in. It will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
A benefit dinner for the Pratt family is planned this weekend. It's on Sunday at the Omaha police union hall at 134th and Cryer Avenue. It runs from 11 a.m to 10 p.m. and costs $10 per person and $20 per family.
Lincoln police have established a second fund for the Pratt family. Donations can be made at any Pinnacle Bank in the state. Jason Pratt's brother, Mike Pratt, has been an officer with the Lincoln Police Department for 10 years.
Crowds Show Support For Officer's Family
Condition remains critical
Hundreds of people packed into an Omaha parking lot Wednesday night to raise money for the family of Police Officer Jason "Tye" Pratt. Pratt was shot in the head last week and remains in critical condition.
Right now, the focus for doctors at Creighton University Medical Center is to keep down the pressure on his brain. The 30-year old Pratt arrived as backup last week in pursuit of a man who ran from police at a traffic stop.
Police say that Albert Rucker, a man with a lengthy criminal record, shot Pratt in the head. Another officer shot and killed Rucker. CUMC Assistant Administrator Chris Hyers said Wenesday afternoon that if there's any progress in Pratt's condition, it will be slow and that will take some time. Hyers said, "In talking with the physicians, they can't define that. You don't know with an injury like this. We're not going to call you tomorrow and say, 'everything's ok now.'"
The hospital declined to give specifics about his medical treatment but did say that doctors are aggressively treating him. The fund-raising event at Rush Street, at 84th and Frederick Wednesday night was a fitting tribute. Officer Pratt loved the kinds of fast cars that served as a backdrop for the occasion. Rush Street owner Kip Hulbert said,"We have so much stuff, we're going to have two or three auctions now."
The community came forward with a whole stage full of auction items; a testament, many believe, to Officer Pratt and what he stands for Officer Paul Milone was his partner last year and Milone says, "I wished everyone could experience what myself, Trevor, and Joe and the rest of the guys experienced every day. I don't know if I'll ever experience that again. He's just an incredibly special person."
Officer Jeff Baker received a Medal of Valor for it. Officer Baudler says, "The Medal of Valor is the epitome of a job well-done for the department. I don't believe I've ever heard of another officer giving it up for someone else." But Baker, now a Sergeant, delivered a plaque to Jason Pratt's wife Stacy Tuesday night. Baker's Medal of Valor is in the plaque; a gesture honoring Pratt and his wife for courage and determination.
Channel 6 News contacted Sgt. Baker Wednesday but he didn't want to talk about the gift to Stacy Pratt. He simply said giving up the Medal of Valor is about Jason and Stacy Pratt, not him. Other officers have said that a commanding officer is currently putting together the paperwork so that Officer Pratt could receive a Purple Heart from the department.
As for the auction Wednesday night, the items that have not yet been sold will be part of the benefit dinner at the police union hall on Sunday. That's at 134th and Cryer and it will run from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Officer Jason Pratt Dies
Funeral arrangements announced
Omaha Police Officer Jason "Tye" Pratt has died in the hospital after a week in intensive care with a gunshot wound to the head. His survivors include his wife, Stacy, and two daughters, ages 3 and eight months.
Officer Pratt was shot while assisting with a traffic stop on Thursday, September 11. Authorities say that 21-year-old Albert Rucker was driving erratically and fled the vehicle he was driving when he was pulled over. Within minutes, Officer Pratt had been shot in the head and police had shot Rucker.
Rucker died some four hours later. Pratt remained hospitalized in extremely critical condition for a week before he died early Friday morning. Acting Police Chief Al Pepin says, "He was a fighter and a warrior. He fought to hang on and ultimately lost that fight." That Pratt could defy the odds for a week doesn't surprise the other officers on the force.
Pratt was a member of Omaha's Emergency Response Unit, the equivalent of a SWAT team. The elite unit is trained for the most dangerous duty. As word spread of the officer's death, a bouquet of flowers was placed at the memorial outside police headquarters. In the next few days Jason Pratt's name will be chiseled in stone, along with the other officers who have died in the line of duty.
Omaha Police Captain Thomas Warren says, "Officer Pratt made the ultimate sacrifice in terms of sacrificing his life to serve this community and he served his community well." In perhaps their darkest hour, less than two hours after Jason died, his family exhibited that same selflessness.
Creighton University Medical Center's assistant administrator Chris Hyers says, "They ask that we express again to the community their profound gratitude for everything, the prayers; the thoughts and ask that you continue that."
The funeral will take place at 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, September 23, 2003 at the Omaha Civic Auditorium, 1804 Capital Avenue. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetary, 78th and West Center Road.
The exact motorcade route will be announced later.
Honors Given Police Officers Rare
Purple Heart, Medal of Valor not often awarded
Two of the highest honors the Omaha Police Department awards are the Purple Heart, given to an officer severely injured while on-duty, and the Medal of Valor, which goes to someone who saves a life or risks his or her own life to help others. What will happen regarding Sgt. Jason Pratt? Two days before Pratt died, he received a plaque honoring him and wife Stacy for their courage, honor, and determination. A fellow officer took his own Medal of Valor off the uniform and gave it him. A gift that speaks volumes about the impact Sgt. Pratt had on others during his eight years on the force.
While police work is dangerous, it takes a rare occasion to qualify for the honor. Since 2000, a Medal of Valor has been awarded just seven times in the Omaha Police Department. The Purple Heart has been handed out even less, with one in 2000, two in 2001, and none last year. "All police officers face a tough job everyday and they're always at risk," said Omaha Police Sgt. Kathy Gonzalez. "We just don't hand them out. They're given for specific reasons and saved for the most serious occasions."
Officer Jeff Holland received both a Medal of Valor and a Purple Heart in 2000 for fighting off two bank robbers and protecting the customers. He took three bullets in the struggle and survived. Officers Juan Fortier and David Preston received Purple Hearts in 2001 after being injured in an exchange of gunfire during a domestic dispute. Three other law enforcement officers were honored with a Medal of Valor for taking down the suspect. In 2002, the department awarded three officers a Medal of Valor for their actions during a gun battle with a drug suspect at 23rd and Gilmore Avenue.
There's no question Sgt. Pratt will receive a Purple Heart. He gave his life to the job, but if only he could have put it on his own uniform like some of the others. The Omaha Police Department is still working out details regarding the official honors for Sgt. Pratt.
Pratt Family Overwhelmed By Support
Thousands turn out for benefit
The Omaha Police Union held a benefit Sunday in honor of Sgt. Jason Pratt, who died Friday of a gunshot wound suffered a week earlier while trying to apprehend a suspect. Pratt's family is overwhelmed by the support. At times, the line outside the Omaha Police Union at 134th and Cryer was nearly a block long. By mid-afternoon, an estimated 5,000 people had gone through the meal-ticket line.
Jason Tye Pratt was remembered as a hero. His parents and brother were overwhelmed and encouraged by the turnout. "I just think that the amount of people that are here is a testament to who Tye was," said Michael Pratt, Jason's brother. "That this many people would show up to support someone they didn't even know." "I just don't know how to thank everybody for the support," added Rita Pratt, Jason's mother. "Love your kids. Give them a kiss and tell them you love them everyday of the week and just remember our police officers are out there to protect us and Tye gave his life and loved his job. He was a wonderful boy, wonderful boy, and we're sure going to miss him. Thirty years wasn't long enough to have a son."
Several Omaha restaurants and grocery stores donated food for the benefit dinner. Others came forward with hundreds of auction items. "I know Jason is smiling on top of us right now, probably wondering why we're making such a big deal, but I know he would be happy to see this," said Officer Paul Milone, who was Pratt's partner last year.
Jason's love of hunting, wildlife, and Nebraska sports was present. Several Huskers donated items for the silent auction, including one of only three Eric Crouch mini-Heisman trophies. Sen. Ben Nelson donated an American flag that flew over the capitol. "Tye's great and Omaha's great and they're proving that right now," said Jason's father, Mike Pratt Sr. The community support is proof the statement on the T-shirts made in Pratt's honor is real. The shirts read, "Jason, the 'Tye' that bands us together, always on our minds and forever in our hearts." Pratt's mother said the hardest part about the loss of her son is knowing that Jason won't be able to watch his two daughters grow up. She said she'll make sure that someday 8-month-old Jordyn and 3-year-old Madison will hear the stories of what their father did as badge 1463 to protect and serve.
Fundraiser organizers haven't had a chance yet to total Sunday's efforts. Fundraisers in the past week have pulled in several thousand dollars. The money goes to Stacy Pratt.
The funeral will be held at the Civic Auditorium Tuesday at 10 a.m. From there, a procession will carry Pratt to Calvary Cemetery. It will begin at the Civic, head down 19th to Farnam, continuing west along Farnam to Saddle Creek, then south on Saddle Creek to Center, and west on Center to Calvary Cemetery at 77th Street. Officials are asking the public to line the route for the funeral procession to pay their respects.
Channel 6 will have live, continuing coverage of Sgt. Pratt's funeral starting Tuesday morning.
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Omaha Police Mourn Pratt's Death
"On Friday night Pratt's close friends and colleagues remembered a man they say will always bring a smile to their faces. The Omaha Police Department mourned collectively as Officer Jason Tye Pratt passed away from complications due to a gun shot wound while on duty.
"It's very difficult today. We lost one of our guys... that was one of the best we had. You can never replace someone like that," says Sgt. Kurt Sorys. Sorys who supervised Pratt on the SWAT team and his closest colleagues came together on Friday to support each other. "We all just gathered around telling stories and remembering the good moments, in which there were a lot of good moments remembering Ty," says Officer Scott Beran.
A mixture of tears and smiles covered the officers faces as they remembered a man who always had them smiling.
"The van was not the same if he wasn't on it. On the way to each call, the guy was non-stop entertainment," says Scott Beran.
In honor of Pratt members of the SWAT team inscribed his initials into a special coin. People around the city of Omaha today also honored Officer Pratt and showed respect to his family by flying flags at half mast.
Sgt. Jason Tye Pratt Remembered
An emotional day for all of Omaha, thousands turned out to pay their respects to Omaha Police Officer Jason Tye Pratt. Pratt was shot 10 days ago and died last Friday. On Tuesday a memorial service was held at Omaha's Civic Auditorium.
"This past week I've heard people use words to describe my brother: hero, bulldog, fighter...I realize Tye had one of largest families in world... more brothers and sisters than could be counted...I remember standing by his bed and holding his hand... he didn't respond in word but I heard him say I need to say goodbye to my family... So Tye, until we see you again, goodbye," said Michael, Tye's Brother.
Over 6,000 people packed the civic. Many were family friends and fellow officers of Jason Tye Pratt but there were also plenty of strangers who just wanted to pay their respects. No matter who they were the memorial service seemed to touch them.
After the memorial service a gauntlet of police officers greet the funeral procession as it pulls up to Omaha's Civic Auditorium. Sgt. Jason Tye Pratt's widow Stacy filed out clutching a white rose in remembrance of Tye.
They filtered out with tears in their eyes. The pallbearers followed by Pratt's widow and relatives. Officers from Sgt. Pratt's own precinct left holding hands with their own families.
The procession started as a huge crowd looked on. Among them several officers wives who were deeply affected. Law enforcement from Missouri to South Dakota showed up to pay their respects too. It's that type of support and the people of Omaha who lined roof tops to say goodbye that's helping Officer Jason Tye Pratt's friends and family.
Jason Tye Pratt is the first police officer killed in the line of duty since Jimmy Wilson Junior died in 1995. Pratt leaves behind his wife stacy and two daughters, Madison age three and eight-month-old Jordyn."
WEDNESDAY, October 29, 2003 burke beat NEWS
Laura Keller
staff reporter
On Sept. 23, anyone from outside of Nebraska would have thought the world had stopped to watch a 25-mile procession of vehicles slowly roll down Farnam Street. The world had stopped; it stopped to honor and remember fallen Police Sgt. Jason Tye Pratt.
The first Tye BandTM 
Honore
Officers Find Words Difficult 
Neighbors near that intersection say this has been a very stressful time for them. Someone placed a cross near the bushes where Rucker was hiding when he shot Pratt, and the scene is creating extra traffic in the area.
