‘One of a kind’: Family of fallen officer Ross Bartlett remembers the man behind the badge

CERESCO, Neb. (KLKN) — More than a year after he died in the line of duty, Ross Bartlett’s family is speaking out for the first time.

The Ceresco Police officer was killed April 12, 2024, in a crash on Highway 77 during a traffic stop.

His sudden death left a hole in the town of Ceresco — and in his family.

“We try to honor him as best as we can,” said Bartlett’s daughter, Tiffany Yant. “We don’t want him to be forgotten, and we don’t want him to be just a statistic.”

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Bartlett filled many roles during his life.

He was a corrections officer, a volunteer firefighter and a police officer.

But to those who knew him best, he was a husband, father and grandfather.

“I think he was just kind, and he was one of a kind,” Yant said.

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She said her dad had a great sense of humor and was someone you could always talk to.

He was also incredibly selfless and loved to help people, which is why he had such a passion for firefighting.

People across Nebraska knew Bartlett because of his service, and Yant said that’s part of what made his death so difficult.

“Being able to grieve privately was just not an option for our family because he was so well known, and so that is something we’ve really struggled with,” she said.

SEE ALSO: Man accused of motor vehicle homicide in crash that killed Ceresco officer

Yant said she misses him every second of every day.

“I, even today, find myself picking up my phone to call him or to text him about something that has happened,” she said. “And just that reminder that he’s gone and that I don’t have that, that’s been really hard.”

While her father died in the line of duty, Yant said there’s no doubt in her mind that he would do it all over again because it was his life’s purpose.

“He chose to live his entire life in public service,” she said. “And as hard as that has been for our family to accept because of what happened, that was still what he chose to do.”

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Yant said the Ceresco community has been incredibly supportive while the family has grieved.

And the people of Ceresco are helping the family keep Bartlett’s memory alive.

“I think we’re really just trying to find joy and happiness in this tragedy,” Yant said. “My dad found joy and happiness in his life, and he was one of the happiest people I ever knew.”

SEE ALSO: Hundreds pay their respects during Officer Ross Bartlett’s funeral procession