On February 24, 2003, State Patrol officers in Omaha arrested two suspects transporting cocaine to Saginaw, MI. Investigator Eberle flew to Saginaw for controlled delivery of the cocaine, in cooperation with Michigan and federal agents, resulting in a third arrest. Eberle and agents from the DEA and the MI Drug Task force then searched the suspect’s home.There, they were ambushed; the DEA and MI officers severely wounded. Eberle returned fire, fatally wounding two suspects, dragging the wounded officers to safety. Both officers survived. Eberle’s composed actions under fire stopped three dangerous felons, and likely saved two fellow officers.
For this effort, Investigator Alan Eberle was named as the IACP/Motorola 2003 Trooper of the Year. Investigator Eberle was chosen from four finalists from state and provincial agencies from the United States and Canada for this honor.
Learn more about Nebraska State Patrol at: http://statepatrol.nebraska.gov/