State Patrol officers were joined by two county deputies to pay tribute to fallen Decatur trooper Mike Farber. They stand at attention while Patrolman Mike Thorson pays tribute to Farber. Mike gave his life Aug. 24, 1980, in the line of duty. Alta Wolf/Burt County Plaindealer

Nebraska State Troopers, keeping with the traditional memorial recognition of National Law Enforcement Day, came in to Decatur Wednesday evening to pay tribute and honor the service and memory of a fallen comrade, the late Trooper Mike Farber. The event took place at Mike's graveside at Hillcrest Cemetery.

Farber, the son of Jane and Dave Farber, gave his life while manning a patrol roadblock near Aurora, Neb., Aug. 24, 1980.

Trooper Mike Thorson led the gathering in the Lord's Prayer and then talked about Farber's dedication to the patrol and his service to the area people. Then he asked the guests to talk about Mike and tell who he was and what his desires were.

One of the speakers was retired Patrol Sgt. Jerry Sieck. He talked about his personal relationship with Mike and how important it was to Mike to become a member of the patrol. He was a good young man, a hard worker and a very dedicated young officer, Sieck said.

Others speaking were a classmate, Keith Miller, his mother, Jane, Patti Shaw and Erlene Christiansen. Dale Wolf offered a prayer of blessing.