Ceresco Police officer killed in Highway 77 crash
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Nebraska State Patrol announced on Saturday that a Ceresco Police officer was killed in a crash.
Officer Ross Bartlett, 54, died after the Highway 77 crash Friday night.
Maj. Jeff Wilcynski of the state patrol said Bartlett was making a traffic stop just south of Ceresco when a pickup truck hit his patrol car from behind.
When first responders arrived on the scene, bystanders were already providing aid to Bartlett, the patrol said.
Bartlett was flown to Bryan West Medical Center, where he died a short time later, Wilcynski said. An autopsy was conducted Saturday morning in Omaha.
The driver of the pickup suffered injuries that were not life-threatening and has been treated at Bryan West.
The driver of the vehicle that Bartlett stopped did not suffer any serious injuries.
The crash investigation is being handled state patrol, which will turn over its findings to the Lancaster County Attorney’s Office.
During the press conference, those who worked with Bartlett were able to give their condolences.
“He really brought a lot to our department,” Ceresco Police Chief Tony Hernandez said. “He was a really professional officer and his personality was outstanding. I am going to miss him dearly and I am blessed our paths crossed.”
Bartlett also worked as an investigator for the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services.
“It’s not just a loss for those of us standing behind this podium,” NDCS Director Rob Jefferys said. “It will be a loss for a lot of the lives he touch in the NDCS family. He was loved. He was missed. And he will be forever eternally loved by all.”
Many Nebraska leaders voiced their condolences on X.
Requesting that flags fly at half-staff in honor of Ofc. Ross Bartlett from now until 5 p.m. on the day of his burial. Bartlett worked for both Ceresco PD and NDCS. He died in the line of duty last night.
I share my deepest condolences with his family, friends and co-workers. pic.twitter.com/lP5spfZ8A5
— Governor Jim Pillen (@TeamPillen) April 13, 2024
Susanne and I were devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Officer Ross Bartlett. Our deepest condolences go to Officer Bartlett’s family and friends, and the entire Ceresco community. We will never forget his service and sacrifice, and we reaffirm our gratitude to the men…
— Senator Pete Ricketts (@SenatorRicketts) April 13, 2024
Ross’ service in law enforcement took him to multiple communities in our state, including Madison, where I personally worked with him and respected him. In addition to his career as a peace officer, he loved being a volunteer fireman and had a great sense of humor. https://t.co/uNQchGaSM2
— Rep. Mike Flood (@USRepMikeFlood) April 13, 2024
Bruce and I are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Ceresco Police Officer Ross Bartlett. We send our deepest condolences to Officer Bartlett’s family and friends and to the entire Ceresco community in the wake of this tragedy.
— Senator Deb Fischer (@SenatorFischer) April 13, 2024
Our hearts ache as we extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones and fellow officers of Ceresco Police Officer Ross Bartlett. His commitment to serving and protecting his community will be remembered always.
— Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird (@MayorLeirion) April 13, 2024
