New Lincoln Police Chief chosen

Posted by: Marlenia Thornton

mthornton@klkntv.com

Lincoln now has a new police chief and it’s a familiar face.

Mayor Chris Beutler announced his appointment of Chief Deputy Jeff Bliemeister.

This comes after former Police Chief Jim Peschong retired in February.

Bliemeister currently works in the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office.

He started his career there in 1996.

He was promoted to chief deputy in 2012.

The new chief said  he’s humbled and excited about this next step.

"I’m looking forward to the challenge. It’s a little bittersweet.  I’ve been with the sheriff’s office for twenty years. I have a lot of established relationships here,” Newly Appointed Lincoln Police Chief Jeff Bliemeister said.

Bliemeister was selected out of six finalists for the job.

Two of which were within the Lincoln Police Department and the other three were from out of state.

The mayor said Bliemeister stood out.

"He was the one who had the most potential to grow a lot and be one of the best police chiefs in the country,” Mayor Chris Beutler said.

Bliemeister says he plans to continue the department’s  legacy of community based policing.

In fact, that’s one of his priorities.

He also plans to keep fostering the partnerships between the sheriff’s office and police.

Bliemeister hopes to build on what’s already established and offer fresh ideas.

He said he has a lot to learn, but will be looking to other city leaders like former police chief and now Public Safety Director Tom Casady for guidance .

"I’m confident that they’ll help me in that transition period and hopefully we’ll grow together,” Bliemeister said.

He will take over as chief on April 26, if approved by the city council.

?_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

By: Channel 8 Eyewitness Newsroom
8@klkntv.com

Mayor Chris Beutler today announced his appointment of Jeffery Bliemeister, Chief Deputy in the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, as Lincoln’s new Chief of Police.   After approval by the Lincoln City Council, he will take over the post August 26.  He replaces Jim Peschong, who retired in February.   The Mayor also thanked Brian Jackson for his service as Interim Police Chief.  He will return to his previous position in the Lincoln Police Department (LPD) as Assistant Chief.

“Jeff rose to the top of a very competitive field of six finalists, who were all highly-regarded and well-qualified candidates,” Mayor Beutler said.   “He shares my vision of maintaining our Police Department’s reputation as an exemplary agency with strong connections to the community.   The men and women of LPD provide excellent services in an efficient manner, and Jeff has the experience to build on those strengths.”

Bliemeister, who has been Chief Deputy Sheriff since 2012, began his law enforcement career in 1996 as a Deputy in the office.  He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Nebraska Wesleyan University and a master’s degree in management from Doane College.  He is a Leadership Lincoln Fellow, serves on the board of the Boys and Girls Club, and volunteers at the Child Advocacy Center and Sheridan Lutheran Church.  

“I have watched Jeff’s career unfold over the past 18 years, and it has always been evident to me that he has exceptional leadership talent,” said Public Safety Director Tom Casady.  “I am very pleased that he will be leading the Lincoln Police Department, and I look forward to working with him.”

 LPD has been nationally accredited since 1989, and has a staff of about 460.   More information is available at police.Lincoln.ne.gov.