Officer Ottis' Family Speaks

By Adam Racusin

CREATED 10:23 PM

Wahoo, NE - He touched many lives, he protected and served, and Friday the parents of fallen officer Daniel Ottis speak out about their son.
Like so many in the community, they are stunned by what happened on highway 6 near Gretna on Tuesday night.
A rear-end crash sent a pick-up truck into their son's motorcycle. Officer Daniel Ottis, who was a patriot guard rider, died.
There are people in life who make a difference, spread their joy upon the world, change lives.
People who will never be forgotten for their impact on others, people like Ashland Police Officer Daniel Ottis.
“He would have taken a bullet for any of us,” said Ashland resident Sash Seamans.
"He just wasn't a police officer, he was a friend to everybody and he will be really missed,” said Ashland Resident Chris Edgerton.
Daniel Ottis was a father, a brother, a son.
"It’s hard, it’s really hard, because we know that it he won’t be here anymore,” said Johanna Ottis.
Ottis' family describes him as a police officer dedicated to his community, and a man who put others before himself.
"They're going to miss him because he was their right hand down there too,” said Tony Ottis.
A proclamation declaring Monday officer Ottis day sits in storefronts throughout Ashland.
It’s hard to turn a street corner and not see a flag lowered to half staff in his honor.
For his family the loss brings back terrible memories.
Daniel Ottis' son Eric was killed in a car crash back in 2002.
"The two worked together, and he was killed coming home from work,” said Tony Ottis. “One night he called his dad and told him he would be home in about an hour, and five minutes after he was killed.”
A family overwhelmed by loss left with a hole in their hearts, but picked up by a community with nothing but love for a man who gave Ashland his life.
“The only thing we can do now is keep him in our prayers and do the best we can with it.”
Thousands are expected to attend officer Ottis' funeral, so his family has moved the location. Visitation is Sunday from one to five at Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Ashland.
The funeral is now at Ashland high school - Monday at 10am.