Lincoln's Police Chief has tested positive for COVID-19.
According to a Tuesday media release from the Lincoln Police Department, Chief Jeff Bliemeister started to experience symptoms of COVID-19 on Saturday, September 5th. LPD says he was tested on Sunday and was later notified that his test results were positive. Lincoln Police say Bliemeister has been self-quarantining at home and will continue to be monitored by the Lancaster County Health Department.
Police say the chief is the fifth confirmed case of COVID-19 within the police department. "As a department, we are taking the spread of the virus seriously, and continue to follow all our procedures and recommended guidelines set by federal, state, and local governments to reduce the spread."
LPD says Chief Bliemeister has expressed his complete confidence in the staff at LPD to lead in his absence. "The safety of the employees of the Lincoln Police Department and the citizens of Lincoln remains his top priority."
The news of the chief's diagnosis comes just one day after one of Lincoln's officers died, and the department says Mario Herrera's death continues to be in the forefront of Bliemeister's mind. "He wants our focus to remain on the sacrifice and support for the Herreras. The chief has continued remote communication with the department and Mario’s family throughout the tragedy."