The Gering Police Department paid tribute to multiple fallen officers during the public National Law Enforcement Week ceremony on May 15. Nearly 70 years after this death, the name of one of these officers, Gering’s James Harvey Ray, has been added to the National Law Enforcement Memorial this year.
Gering Police Chief George Holthus places a red, white and blue wreath next to Ray's decades-old grave in remembrance during the National Law Enforcement Week ceremony on May 15.
PHOTOS: National Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony 2026
Retired Scotts Bluff County Sheriff Dave Schleve memorializes fallen officers during the National Law Enforcement Week ceremony on May 15.
Grace Ptak, Star-Herald
James Harvey Ray's grave is saluted during the National Law Enforcement Week ceremony on May 15.
Grace Ptak, Star-Herald
A crowd listens to Mayor Kent Ewing's proclamation during the National Law Enforcement Week ceremony on May 15.
Grace Ptak, Star-Herald
James Harvey Ray's grave decorated during the National Law Enforcement Week ceremony on May 15.
Grace Ptak, Star-Herald
Gering High School senior Alphonso Leal plays "Taps" on his trumpet to honor fallen officers during the National Law Enforcement Week ceremony on May 15.
Grace Ptak, Star-Herald
Gering Police Chief George Holthus shakes hands with Gering resident Casey Collins, who was instrumental in placing James Harvey Ray's name on the National Memorial, during the National Law Enforcement Week ceremony on May 15.
Grace Ptak, Star-Herald
Gering Police Chief George Holthus places a red, white and blue wreath next to Ray's decades-old grave in remembrance during the National Law Enforcement Week ceremony on May 15.
Grace Ptak, Star-Herald
GPD Chief George Holthus memorializes fallen officers during the National Law Enforcement Week ceremony on May 15.
Grace Ptak, Star-Herald
Four plaques of fallen law enforcement officers Peterson, Brandt, Ray and Baker await presentation to various local departments during the National Law Enforcement Week ceremony on May 15.
Gering Police Chief George Holthus places a red, white and blue wreath next to Ray's decades-old grave in remembrance during the National Law Enforcement Week ceremony on May 15.
