In a heartbreaking incident on a quiet Friday evening, April 12, 2024, in Ceresco, Nebraska, the local community and law enforcement family lost a dedicated servant, Officer Ross Bartlett, who was fatally injured in a multi-vehicle crash. The accident occurred shortly after 7:30 p.m. on Highway 77, just a mile south of Ceresco, as Officer Bartlett conducted a routine traffic stop.
According to the Nebraska State Patrol, Officer Bartlett had pulled over a Nissan Altima, and both vehicles were stationed on the shoulder of the road. While the officer and the driver of the stopped vehicle were inside their cars, a Ford F-150 pickup truck slammed into the rear of Officer Bartlett’s police cruiser, propelling it into the Altima he had stopped.
The collision resulted in severe injuries for Officer Bartlett, who was airlifted to Bryan Health West Campus, where he died later that evening. The driver of the Altima, Ke’vion Hill, 27, from Lincoln, sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries, while the driver of the Ford F-150, Tony Pierce, 49, from Crete, was not seriously hurt. The State Patrol is investigating the crash and will forward its findings to the Lancaster County Attorney’s Office to determine if charges will be filed.
The 54-year-old Bartlett had been with the Ceresco Police Department since 2017. He served not only as a police officer but also as an investigator with the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services and a Ceresco Volunteer Fire Department member.
“He contributed significantly to our department,” Ceresco Police Chief Tony Hernandez stated, clearly distressed. “He was responsible for writing many of our grants… He was a consummate professional. His character was exceptional. I will deeply miss him, and I feel fortunate that our lives intersected.”
Major Jeff Wilcynski of the Nebraska State Patrol addressed the incident at a press conference on Saturday, April 13, praising Officer Bartlett’s commitment. “Officer Bartlett was highly respected for his dedication to public service,” Wilcynski stated, surrounded by representatives from about a dozen local law enforcement agencies. Many of our troopers and investigators were acquainted with Ross and his family.”
Bartlett’s career spanned over 30 years across several law enforcement agencies, including the Valentine Police Department, Boone County Sheriff’s Department, Madison Police Department, and Madison County Sheriff’s Department.
Governor Jim Pillen, recognizing Bartlett’s long and dedicated service, ordered flags to be flown at half-staff until the day of his burial. “This is a terrible loss for those who worked with Officer Bartlett through NDCS and those in the community who knew him through his law enforcement work,” Governor Pillen remarked. “He was a committed public servant who responded to the honorable call to serve in different communities throughout his career.”
As the small town of Ceresco, located about 20 miles north of Lincoln, comes to terms with the loss, the community remembers Officer Bartlett not just for his service but for the person he was. Bartlett is survived by his wife and daughter, who along with the community, are coping with the loss of the beloved officer.