City of Bellevue, Nebraska Police Department

Lieutenant Kurt Strachota has served with the Bellevue Police Department since 1983 when he joined the ranks as a patrol officer. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1991 and a Lieutenant in 1994. Lt Strachota’s nearly two and one half decades of police service have been dedicated to the Uniformed Patrol Bureau. He currently serves as the Shift Commander for the Uniformed Patrol Bureau’s "B" Team. As Shift Commander, he is responsible for commanding, directing and coordinating his team to ensure efficient, effective and proper police service delivery.

Lt Strachota has been a member of the South Metro SWAT Team since its inception in 1988 and currently serves in the position of Team Commander. He has received extensive training in tactics, supervision and command, advanced rope rescue and serves as an instructor of rope rescue skills to the SWAT team. He also commands the Motor Unit which includes a fleet of six motorcycle units. His duties in this regard also include budgeting, leasing and assisting with the coordination of events.

In 1986, Lt Strachota assisted in the development of the department’s Field Training and Evaluation Program and currently holds the position of Program Administrator. He is a Defensive Tactics Instructor and an Emergency Vehicle Operations Instructor.

In 1995, Lt Strachota started the K-9 Unit, by developing all policies and procedures, selecting the first handler and purchasing the first dog. He is currently the K-9 Unit Commander. Lt Strachota has also participated in extensive dive training and holds certifications in water rescue and underwater crime scene investigation.

During Lt Strachota’s distinguished law enforcement career with the Bellevue Police Department, he has received many awards. These have included Officer of the Month, Officer of the Quarter and numerous commendations and Life Saving awards.

Lt Strachota has also served the city as a Firefighter and Paramedic with the Bellevue Volunteer Fire Department since 1980. Prior to his service with BVFD he worked in emergency services for four years in Illinois and Arizona. He is one of two paramedics on the Bellevue Police force.

He has a BS in Criminal Justice from Bellevue University. He is an active member of the National Tactical Officers Association, National Field Training Officers Association, Nebraska Police Officers Association, and the Fraternal Order of Police.