With his father and uncle in law enforcement, Carlos Herrera always knew he wanted to join the force. When his father, Investigator Mario Herrera, was shot in the line of duty last year and died days later, Carlos’s goal gained a new imperative: he would continue the fallen officer’s legacy.
Carlos enrolled in Police Academy at the Lincoln Police Department, Nebraska, in January, four months after his father’s passing.
Mario served with LPD for 23 years. Donning his uniform and badge each morning, the investigator made a huge impression on his young son, Carlos.
Carlos’s proud mother, Carrie Herrera, said it would be a “pretty good deal” if her son could follow in her late husband’s footsteps. The Herreras have regular meals together, keeping Mario’s memory alive by sharing stories from the family archives.
Besides the support of his mom, three sisters, and his fiancée, Tasha Bredvick, Carlos has made a number of lasting friendships through the Academy. But perhaps most poignantly of all, he feels his studies have helped with the grieving process, and that his father has been beside him every step of the way.
On Aug. 26, 2020, police were serving a warrant at a house near 33rd and Vine streets when Carlos’s father was shot. After a few days at the hospital, Mario passed away.
The Police Academy cadet hopes to qualify as a narcotics investigator for LPD, wanting to help those whose lives have been impacted. His biggest goal, he claimed, is simply to go out and help people every day, as best he can.
Carlos is set to graduate and begin his new life in law enforcement in June.
