Congratulations to our 2025 Award Honorees!

Deputy Chief Sherie Thomas

Deputy Chief Sherie Thomas is a trailblazing leader whose nearly three-decade career with the Omaha Police Department (OPD) has been defined by courage, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to community. Since joining OPD in 1998, she has risen through the ranks to become one of the department’s highest-ranking officers, breaking barriers for women and people of color in law enforcement along the way.

Her leadership journey has spanned critical roles across the department: from Patrol Officer and School Resource Officer, to Domestic Violence Detective, Internal Affairs Sergeant, Training Unit Sergeant, and Commander of both the Internal Affairs Unit and the Public Information Office. She later served as Captain of the Training and Community Services Section before being promoted to Deputy Chief in 2022, where she now helps shape the vision and direction of OPD.

Deputy Chief Thomas holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Bellevue University and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She is a graduate of Leadership Omaha (Class 41), the Major Cities Chiefs Association Police Executive Leadership Institute, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) Chief Executive Officers Program, and a member of the inaugural class of the Empowerment Network’s Redefine the Game Institute.

Her influence extends far beyond the badge. A passionate advocate for youth, equity, and community well-being, Deputy Chief Thomas serves on the boards of Special Olympics Nebraska, Youth Emergency Services, Girls Inc. of Omaha, and the Metropolitan Community College Foundation, and she contributes her voice to the CHI Immanuel Patient and Family Advisory Council. In 2022, she was appointed by Governor Pete Ricketts to the Police Standards Advisory Council. She currently serves as President of the Nebraska Chapter of NOBLE and as an executive board member of the Black Police Officers Association of Omaha. She is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Her outstanding leadership and service have been recognized with numerous honors, including the 2025 Compassionate Caregiver Award (The Links, Incorporated), the 2021 Living the Dream Award (City of Omaha), the 2021 Lynda Shafer Leadership Omaha Distinguished Alumni Award, and the 2019 Rising Star Alumni Achievement Award from UNO.

Above all, Deputy Chief Thomas is a proud mother of three daughters; Trinity, Brea, and Sierra, who remain the heart of her life and the inspiration behind her service. She leads with the belief that true public safety is rooted in trust, compassion, and the collective strength of community.