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Incident
Trooper Michael Farber was killed after being intentionally struck by a teenager fleeing other officers for stealing gas. After not paying $13.43 for gasoline at a station near Pleasant Dale exit on Interstate 80, the juvenile led officers on a high-speed pursuit for over 50 miles, driving at speeds of more than 100 mph. While traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes, the juvenile drove the vehicle into the median of I-80, west of the Hampton Interchange, near Aurora, Nebraska, and struck Trooper Farber. The 15-year-old suspect fled on foot after crashing his vehicle, but was apprehended an hour later. He was tried as an adult, convicted of manslaughter, and sentenced to 10 years. He was released in January of 1986. Trooper Farber had been with the Nebraska State Patrol for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, Colleen, and his unborn son.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Trooper Farber gave the Nebraska State Patrol 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the people of Nebraska. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Trooper Farber.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Nebraska State Patrol has lost 15 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
Michael is one of 97 officers killed feloniously in NE, 64.2% of the 151 remembered there.
Michael is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Michael is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1980, 1 officer at Nebraska State Patrol was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1980, 1 officer in NE was killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 68 years on record. The heaviest was 1977, with 6.
In 1980, 127 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 37th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1980, 141 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 37th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Michael was 24. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Nebraska State Patrol whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 32; the middle age was 28. Michael had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 3 years.
Michael was 24. Of the 92 killed feloniously in NE whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 51; the middle age was 41. Michael had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Michael was 24. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Michael had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Michael was 24. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Michael had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 20% of these deaths at Nebraska State Patrol; April holds the most, 40%. Sundays: 20%.
August holds 14.4% of these deaths in NE, more than any other month. Sundays: 16.5%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 33.3% of all 15 deaths at Nebraska State Patrol, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 40% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 64.2% of all 151 deaths in NE, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 2.1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
His people
Nebraska State Patrol has 15 officers remembered here, Michael among them.
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Loyal M. Zink
Jun 13, 1945
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John T. Meistrell
Apr 10, 1953
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Vernon C. Rolfs
May 30, 1953
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Marvin L. Hansen
Apr 8, 1954
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Duane F. Nichols
Jul 24, 1958
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Raymond M. Koerber
Sep 18, 1961
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George William Amos, Jr.
Apr 20, 1973
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Michael D. Farber
Aug 24, 1980
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Robert J. Chab
Jan 6, 1984
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Donald Matejka
Dec 27, 1989
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Mark Paul Wagner
Mar 4, 1999
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Mark Zach
Sep 27, 2002
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Jerry Chab
Aug 6, 2013
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Jerry Louis Smith, Jr.
Jun 20, 2019
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Kyle McAcy
Feb 17, 2025
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 29-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
14 officers from Nebraska State Patrol are honored on badge.nw.
