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SPARKS, Nev. -- While Kara Kelly Borgognone's family prepares to say their final goodbyes, local police, sheriff's deputies, and highway patrol troopers are also holding vigil for their fellow peace officer. Before becoming a trooper with NHP, Borgognone served as a parole and probation officer in our community for eight years.
Sergeant Rich Tiran worked very closely with Borgognone before she fulfilled her longtime dream of becoming an NHP trooper. When he went to her bedside this morning, he says he touched her hand ... and felt her warmth.
Less than 24 hours since the crash, and already, a tribute to the 33-year-old Trooper. Flowers and American flags represent her smile and her service.
Sergeant Rich Tiran worked closely as a peace officer with Borgognone for eight years. He described her like a member of his family.
"We, as the expression goes, all bleed blue. We serve our public and as we do that, through the years, we create long-standing relationships. They go on for a lifetime in most cases," said Tiran.
At her bedside, Tiran says Borgognone was fighting for her life...and it's not the first time. In 2006, she found herself in a vicious struggle with a probation client at her office downtown. When he tried to disarm her, she fired four shots and killed him. Borgognone was later awarded the Medal of Valor. Tiran says everything she did, she did with a purpose.
"She's fun to have around the office. She's fun to work with. She makes the hours you spend together working in a car go by very quickly, but at the same time, let me tell you, fiercely dedicated to her job. She knows what needs to be done to protect the community and was very fierce at doing that."
Tiran says the adoring wife and mother of two young daughters will never be forgotten. He says her choice to donate her organs is a selfless one.
"What greater message can a first responder send to her community, that not only will I protect you, possibly give up my life, but in the event that should happen, my gift is to someone who needs their life extended."
Doctors are keeping Borgognone on life support while they test her organs to find a compatible match. Meanwhile, local law enforcement is preparing for what will be a very difficult funeral.
This will be the first time in nearly 15 years since a trooper has passed away in the line of duty. The last death was in 1993.
Republished with permission of KOLO-TV.
