Northeast Nebraska sheriff’s deputy dies after battle with COVID-19

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - A Burt County Sheriff’s deputy has died after battling COVID-19.

Deputy Justin Smith passed away on Wednesday surrounded by family and friends.

According to the Burt County Sheriff’s Office, “advanced life support measures had been taken to stabilize and assist Deputy Smith during his battle with the COVID-19 virus.”

Deputy Smith served the citizens of Burt County since 2008. He also served as the Decatur Police Chief.

“Deputy Smith was a devoted husband and father,” Sheriff Eric Nick said. “He loved Burt County and serving his community. He will be missed greatly by his entire Burt County Sheriff’s Office family and City of Decatur.

Deputy Smith also spent time in the U.S. Army Reserve.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Deputy Smith,” Nebraska State Patrol Colonel John Bolduc said. “He served not only the communities of Burt County, but also our country, and will be greatly missed. All of NSP will keep his family, colleagues, and entire community in our hearts during this difficult time.”

Funeral arrangements have been made and are open to the public.

The Burt County Sheriff’s Office and Decatur Police Department, family, friends, and the public will gather to honor the life and service of Deputy Justin Smith #9313 in a funeral service on Saturday, July 31.

The service will take place at 11:00 a.m. CDT Saturday, in the City of Tekamah Auditorium, 1315 K Street, Tekamah, NE. Prior to the ceremony there will be a procession to escort Deputy Smith from the Pelan Funeral Home at 310 S. Charde Ave. to Tekamah. The procession will leave Oakland at 8:15a.m. and travel on Hwy 32 to Tekamah.

Copyright 2021 KOLN. All rights reserved.