Two Lincoln Police investigators received the Mayor’s Award of Excellence for November 2021 during Monday’s city council meeting. The awards recognize City employees who consistently provide exemplary service and work that demonstrates personal commitment to Lincoln.
Investigators Timothy Cronin and Matthew Franken were nominated for their work on the fatal shooting of Jessica Brandon in 2018.
“It was a home invasion, it was motivated by marijuana,” says Assistant Police Chief Jason Stille. “A mother lost her life. It shouldn’t have happened, but it did happen and to put the pieces back together and give closure to the family we fortunately have two investigators like Tim and Matt that do this job and do it very, very well.”
Several suspects forced their way into the Brandon’s home and restrained her children. She was shot when she responded to the commotion. Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird says after photos from the home video surveillance system were released to the public, suspects were identified.
“Further information indicated the suspects were in Omaha and Texas. Investigators Cronin and Franken collaborated with other law enforcement agencies to locate the suspects and to coordinate surveillance until arrests could be made.” The two and a half year investigation resulted in five convictions and all the individuals responsible are serving long prison terms.
Award winners receive a $50 gift certificate, a day off with pay and a certificate. All monthly winners and nominees are eligible to receive the annual award, which comes with a $250 gift certificate, two days off with pay and a plaque.