In a statement, the City of Lincoln announced Lincoln Police Chief Bliemeister’s last day will be January 8th, 2021, when he will then move on to a position with Bryan Health.
Assistant Chief Brian Jackson will serve as Acting Chief of LPD as the city engages in a search process for the next permanent leader of the department.
In the statement, Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird praised Bliemeister for his efforts in increasing the size of the department, improving police transparency, strengthening department ties with communities of color, and navigating officers through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bliemeister joined the City as the result of a national search process conducted after the retirement of Police Chief Jim Peschong in 2016. He previously served four years as the Chief Deputy Sheriff for Lancaster County and began his law enforcement career in 1996 as a Deputy in that office.
Before announcing his retirement, NET News sat down with Chief Bliemeister for comprehensive discussion on the 35-page report his department released concerning the demonstrations and violence that swept the city after the killing of George Floyd in May. To listen, click here.