In a world that can feel heavy and divided, Ken Kanger is a reminder that believing in good still matters. And sometimes, the smallest acts of care can change everything.
Service has never been limited to a job description for Kanger. It’s a way of showing up time and again for kids, families and communities who need someone to believe in them.
Kanger joined Mutual of Omaha as the director of security just over a year ago, but his commitment to community service stretches back decades. Before coming to Mutual, he spent much of his career in law enforcement and retired from the Omaha Police Department as deputy chief and Omaha Airport Authority chief of police.
Today, he recalls the pivotal moment that redefined what service means to him.
“When Kerrie Orozco was killed, my light got turned on to the importance of community service,” Kanger said.
Getting involved
Officer Orozco, who worked under Kanger in the Omaha Police Department, embodied policing rooted in relationships. She’s often remembered for stopping to play basketball with kids she encountered while working, engaging with them where they were and reminding them how much they were valued. After she was killed in the line of duty in May 2015, her example became the foundation for Kanger’s personal mission: to use athletics as a bridge to connection, trust and opportunity.
One of his most well-known efforts, Operation Nets, began organically with a simple gesture. After witnessing youth walking the streets late at night with nowhere to go, he and other officers decided to act.
“We went and bought a hoop,” Kanger said. “My gang unit went down there all day to build the hoop — and the kids were right there building it with us.”
Operation Nets is a grassroots effort replacing torn basketball nets, delivering basketballs and installing hoops in neighborhoods across Omaha.
“I thought, man, a net’s $2.50 at Walmart,” he said. “For my guys to get out and string a new net for those kids — it makes an impact.”
Making a difference
Orozco also inspired Kanger to get involved with the Police Athletics for Community Engagement (PACE), where he currently serves as board president. PACE provides free athletic opportunities for youth. Watching officers in full gear coaching youth on hot summer nights changed his perspective about law enforcement.
“That’s truly what law enforcement’s about. They were so focused on ‘enforce, enforce, enforce’ that they never realized the critical component of being a partner with their communities,” Kanger said.
Through PACE and youth sports, Kanger has seen lives change.
“What I really learned over time is that relationships and sports are catalysts,” he said.
Youth who grew up in PACE programs, some now on such successful paths as medical school, have told Kanger they may have been involved in gangs and other dangerous activities if not for PACE.
Support — encouragement — compassion
What stands out most about Kanger is his deep belief in people.
“Part of my drive to help kids is because I also buried a lot of kids,” he said.
Those experiences strengthened his compassion.
“I’ve never looked at anybody any differently because they committed a crime,” Kanger said. “What I want more from you is that you’re successful and you reach every goal and dream.”
Kanger has stories of people he once arrested who later reached out seeking mentorship, support and encouragement — proof that compassion and accountability can coexist.
“Everybody’s valued,” Kanger said. “I feel it’s my duty and responsibility to help those individuals if I can.”
Mutual of Omaha’s commitment to community giving was a key reason he joined the company.
“When I saw all the work and support they provide their associates to give back to the community — that was a big reason why I decided to come to Mutual of Omaha,” he said.
For Kanger, the ability to keep showing up for the community through youth, relationships and hope matters deeply.
“That’s my purpose now,” he said.