Back the Badge: "We started our Foundation to give back to the heroes who’ve spent their lives helping others. Now it's our turn to help."
Back the Badge: Support for first responders in their time of need!
~ Jeff Schemenauer, Veteran & Retired DCSO Sgt.
BACK THE BADGE Family Foundation - WHO WE ARE:
💙 Our Mission:
The Back the Badge and Books Family Foundation is committed to providing support for first responders in Douglas County during times of crisis, medical emergencies, and personal hardships. We aim to alleviate the burdens these heroes face including the high cost of housing, medical care, and other expenses ensuring they can continue to serve our community with stability and improved well-being.
BACK THE BADGE Family Foundation - OUR WHY:
Why We Launched the Back the Badge and Books Foundation:
Jeff, Cindy, and Leah Schemenauer founded the Back the Badge and Books Foundation after uncovering a harsh truth: more than half of Douglas County’s law enforcement officers commute 45 to 60 minutes—every day—to protect a community they can’t afford to live in.
When they asked why, one officer’s response said it all:
“We can't afford a house here. Even rent is too expensive. We had to move away just to find something we could afford.”
Another first responder shared the heartbreak of choosing between financial survival and staying in the community they serve:
“When my spouse was diagnosed with a debilitating disease, our medical bills skyrocketed. We had to make impossible choices and ultimately leave Douglas County. I only wish a foundation like yours had existed back then.”
These stories weren’t isolated. Again and again, the Schemenauer family heard similar accounts—first responder families just one crisis or impossible financial choice away from losing their homes or being forced to leave Douglas County. And it wasn’t just law enforcement. The same struggles echoed across fire service and military families—people who dedicate their lives to service yet are priced out of the very place they protect, heal, and safeguard each and every day.
The mission was clear:
Bridge the financial gap. Help our heroes through their hardest moments. Help our heroes stay rooted in the communities they serve.
The Back the Badge and Books Foundation was born out of urgency, compassion, and a deep commitment to those who give so much—so that when they face challenges of their own, they're not facing them alone.
Help us help heroes and donate today!
Help Our Heroes Bridge the Financial Gap & Donate TODAY!
10-8 FUND
10-8 is "10 Code" meaning "in service". Your donation will help us keep more of our first responders "in service" through the provision of resources and support programs.
Your donation will help us help heroes & provide immediate support for first responders!
Emergency FUND
The Emergency Fund provides immediate resources and support for first responders in need due to a personal crisis, medical emergency or other financial hardship.
URGENT NEED:
Funds for a Douglas County Sheriff experiencing a current medical crisis and in need of financial support and resources, especially for travel expenses, medical deductibles, and co-pays, etc.
Help Us Help Our Heroes - Events, Activities, & Partners:
Join us JUNE 14, 2025 at 6:00pm - "a NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM" - a Heroes Gala!!!
A fundraiser to provide support for First Responders & Veterans! Get your tickets below...or visit vtrc.us
Jeff & Cindy at a Fundraiser at battle born Harley Davidson!
Thank you for all those who came out and support Back the Badge and Books Foundation! A huge thank you to Battle Born Harley-Davidson for hosting this great event!
Partner SPOTLIGHT
VTRC is a valued partner of Back the Badge & Books Foundation, assisting Veterans with their VA benefits and providing resources in times of crisis.
Visit their website, vtrc.us today for information and tickets to fundraiser on June 14, 2025 - "A Heroes Gala"
Join us for First responder Fridays at genoa Lakes & Ranch golf courses!!!
In Support of Back the Badge & Books Foundation: Dates, Times, & Further Details Coming VERY Soon!
THE GOALS of WHAT WE DO at Back the Badge Family Foundation:
Goal 1. Easing Financial Burden
Goal 2. Providing Emergency Support in Times of Hardship
Goal 3. Building Stronger Community Connections
Goal 4. Improve Recruitment & Retention of High-Quality Personnel
Goal 5. Promoting Work-Life Balance and Improved Well-being
** Your donations and support will help us help heroes in their time of need.
BACK THE BADGE & BOOKS - WHAT WE DO:
1. Who Is Eligible?
Sworn law enforcement officers, firefighters, military personnel and veterans, or licensed teachers employed in by Douglas County, NV.
2. What Plans & Programs are Available?
- 10-8 FUND - Funding and resources for first responders on a recurring basis.
- Emergency FUND - Immediate funding and resources for first responders during times of crisis, medical challenges, and personal hardship.
3. Funding Approval & Disbursement Process
To be considered for assistance, applicants are referred (self-referrals are okay) and an application/assessment process is required. Priority consideration is given to military veterans.
All assistance is tailored to the individual or family's needs, taking into account household size, income level, etc.. Support may include monthly assistance or one-time emergency relief, depending on available funding at the time of referral/application.
Approved funds are disbursed directly to service providers, such as:
- Landlords and mortgage lenders
- Utility companies
- Insurance carriers
- Medical providers
In certain cases, reimbursement may be available for verified, eligible expenses with valid receipts. Participants who qualify may also receive access to financial counseling and additional support resources to help build long-term stability and resilience.
Support Those Who Serve - Because Heroes Need Help Too!
They spend their careers serving us — our Foundation exists to serve them when they need it most.
Donate today and help us help heroes in immediate need of our Foundation's support and resources.
"Our Foundation was born from gratitude — to support those who’ve dedicated their lives to helping others including our local businesses & small business owners. Help us help our local heroes in their time of need."
~ Jeff Schemenauer, Foundation Co-Founder