A veteran police officer, Ross Bartlett, was tragically killed in a car accident in eastern Nebraska while on duty. The incident occurred after Bartlett had made a traffic stop on Highway 77 and his cruiser was rear-ended by a pickup truck, pushing it into the stopped car. Bartlett was pronounced dead at a hospital in Lincoln, while the driver of the car sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and the pickup driver was uninjured. Bartlett had been serving as an officer with the Ceresco Police Department since 2017, in addition to working as an investigator for the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services and volunteering with the Ceresco Volunteer Fire Department. He is survived by his wife and daughter.
Ceresco Police Chief Tony Hernandez expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of Officer Bartlett, describing him as a valuable member of the department who had a positive impact on the community. Bartlett was known for his professionalism and outstanding personality, and he played a significant role in writing grants for the department. Funeral services for Bartlett were pending, with Governor Jim Pillen ordering flags to be flown at half-staff until the day of his burial. Pillen paid tribute to Bartlett as a dedicated public servant who had served various communities throughout his 30-year career in law enforcement.
Bartlett’s career in law enforcement began with the Valentine Police Department and included stints with the Boone County Sheriff’s Department, Madison Police Department, Madison County Sheriff’s Department, and Newman Grove Police Department. The State Patrol is conducting an investigation into the crash and plans to present its findings to the Lancaster County Attorney’s Office for a charging decision. Ceresco, where the accident took place, is located about 20 miles north of Lincoln. The loss of Officer Bartlett has left a profound impact on those who knew him, both within the law enforcement community and in the broader community where he served.
The community is mourning the tragic loss of Officer Bartlett, who dedicated his life to serving and protecting others. His commitment to public service and his contributions to the various agencies he worked with have left a lasting legacy. The accident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face every day while carrying out their duties. As investigations into the crash continue, the memory of Officer Bartlett will be honored and cherished by those who knew him. His family, colleagues, and the community are coming together to support each other during this difficult time and to remember the impact that Bartlett had on their lives.
Officer Bartlett’s death highlights the risks that law enforcement officers bravely face in the line of duty and underscores the importance of recognizing their sacrifices. The outpouring of support and condolences from the community serves as a testament to Bartlett’s character and the positive influence he had on those around him. As investigations into the circumstances of the crash progress, the community is united in honoring Bartlett’s memory and reflecting on the impact of his service. The loss of a dedicated public servant like Officer Bartlett serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve and protect their communities.
