Bellevue Mayor Rusty Hike, City Administrator Jim Ristow and the entire City of Bellevue were shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Bellevue Police Officer Christopher Abbott this morning. He was truly one of the best, and an absolute go to guy in the community who touched more lives than he ever knew.
To say he will be greatly missed in this community seems like a huge understatement. Just over the past few weeks, Officer Abbott was heavily involved in coordinating the Olde Towne Trick or Treat Event, the Holiday Heroes Chili Cook Off, the Veterans Day Parade, Raising Money for the Special Olympics, Fishing with a Cop and was in planning meetings for the Christmas Drive Thru event. As busy as he was, there was no doubt that his family and friends meant the world to him and he was beyond proud of them all.
Mayor Hike and the City of Bellevue offer many thoughts, prayers and assistance in this heartbreaking time to his wife, children, family, friends and colleagues. Here is the complete Official Statement from the Bellevue Police Department which eloquently describes Officer Christopher Abbott:
"The Bellevue Police Department is saddened to announce the passing of Officer Christopher Abbott. Officer Abbott unexpectedly passed away today (November 18th), after suffering a medical emergency. Officer Abbott served as an officer for the Bellevue Police Department for over 22 years. Officer Abbott started as a road patrol officer, but was a member of the department’s Special Services Unit, which is commonly referred to as our Community Policing Unit, since 2009. Officer Abbott was known for being hardworking, always willing to help anyone, and a dedicated husband, father, and friend. Officer Abbott enjoyed cheering for the Iowa State Cyclones, attending the College World Series, but most importantly he loved being a dad to his two sons and husband to his high school sweetheart. We are heartbroken at this loss both for his family, friends, and our agency. Please keep all those that knew Officer Abbott, in your thoughts and prayers. #165
Information regarding funeral services will be released in the near future. If any media inquiries, please email Lt. Howard Banks at howard.banks@bellevue.net"