Lincoln Police SWAT Team Received Valor Award
The National Tactical Officers Association honored the team for a 2025 hostage rescue operation in Lincoln.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Law Enforcement
The National Tactical Officers Association awarded the Lincoln Police Department SWAT Team a Unit Citation for Valor following their successful rescue of a kidnapped woman. The honor recognizes the team for their courage during two hazardous hostage operations.
Why it matters
The citation highlights the risks and specialized skills required for SWAT units to resolve volatile, high-stakes kidnapping scenarios. It honors the team for their precise execution under perilous conditions during a time-sensitive rescue.
Christopher Collins, 37, currently faces multiple felony charges including kidnapping and first-degree assault. He has entered a plea of not guilty to all charges related to the incident.
The players
Lincoln Police Department
This is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining public safety and emergency response within the city of Lincoln.
National Tactical Officers Association
This professional organization provides training and standards for law enforcement tactical teams across the United States.
Jesserae Beck
She is the 43-year-old victim who was rescued by the SWAT team after being kidnapped.
Christopher Collins
He is the 37-year-old suspect charged with kidnapping and other violent offenses in connection with the 2025 incident.
The details
The Lincoln SWAT team executed a 15-hour search across the city after 43-year-old Jesserae Beck was kidnapped on Sept. 25, 2025. Officers entered two separate homes to locate and rescue the victim, who was subsequently transported for medical treatment.
Timeline
Sept. 25, 2025: Jesserae Beck was kidnapped.
Sept. 2025: A 15-hour citywide search occurred.
Sept. 25, 2026: The National Tactical Officers Association announced the award.
Legal Context
The awarding of a Unit Citation for Valor follows established standards set by the National Tactical Officers Association for recognizing exceptional performance in high-risk law enforcement operations. Such honors reflect a broader industry effort to formalize and celebrate successful outcomes in extreme-danger crisis negotiations and rescues.
Residents in Lincoln may view this recognition as a mark of the high level of tactical training currently maintained by local law enforcement. The outcome of the legal proceedings against the suspect will continue to be a matter of public interest for the community as the case moves forward.
The takeaway
This award underscores the critical role that specialized tactical units play in high-pressure emergency responses. For the community, it provides a benchmark for the operational readiness and safety standards employed by local emergency services.
Further reading
For more information on local public safety, visit Law Enforcement.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 1011now.
