Nebraska eatery raising money for family of fallen Ceresco Police officer

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A small town in Saunders County is helping raise money this week for the family of a fallen police officer.

Courtesy Legendary Red Rooster Restaurant

From Tuesday to Thursday, people can purchase the Officer Bartlett Platter at the Legendary Red Rooster Restaurant in Ceresco.

For each meal sold, $10 will go toward the family of Ceresco Police Officer Ross Bartlett, who was killed Friday in a crash on Highway 77.

The platter, which costs $18, consists of a hamburger steak with homemade onion rings — one of Bartlett’s favorite meals.

Ron Tegtmeier, the restaurant’s owner, said the community wanted to honor a friend and customer.

“He’s in a better place, and he’s looking down over us,” he said.

The restaurant is also hosting a silent auction, featuring donations from local businesses like Ernie’s in Ceresco.

“Obviously we can’t unwind what happened, but hopefully in our own small-town ways, we can do some positive things to hopefully have some growth out of this tragedy,” said Tyler Swanson, general manager at Ernie’s.

Ceresco Fire & Rescue, where Bartlett was a volunteer firefighter, is working on setting up an account so people can donate directly to the family.