Support Program for Families of Fallen First Responders in Nebraska

In Lincoln, Nebraska, Tiffany Yant has launched Code 3 Legacy, a program designed to support families of first responders who suffer the loss of a loved one in the line of duty. Motivated by her own experience following the death of her father, police officer Ross Bartlett, Yant developed a training initiative to prepare family members for both practical and emotional challenges. This program aims to mitigate the emotional burden through structured guidance.

Code 3 Legacy provides Line of Duty Death (LODD) Packets, which are comprehensive guides for individuals facing such tragedies. These packets offer crucial instructions and information, covering aspects from appointing a family advocate to managing personal affairs like financial accounts. Through focused training, officers complete significant portions of these packets, reducing anxiety and ensuring operational readiness in handling such events.

Named after her father’s catering business, Code 3 Legacy seeks to honor Ross Bartlett's memory while offering strategic support to law enforcement agencies dealing with fatalities. Yant, leveraging her expertise as a grief counselor, underscores the importance of these resources, especially in rural areas. Her presentations cover the spectrum from initial death notifications to organizing longer-term memorial events such as Police Week.

Several law enforcement agencies, including the Kearney Police Department, Buffalo County Sheriff's Office, and St. Paul Police Department, have adopted this program, with plans for broader implementation across Nebraska. Yant aims to extend this support framework to agencies nationwide, enhancing resilience and preparedness among first responders. For support or engagement, interested parties are encouraged to contact Yant directly.