Back the Badge: "We started our Foundation to give back to the hero's who’ve spent their lives helping others.
How You Can Support the Foundation's Efforts:
Scott's Fund to Fight Blood Cancer
Scott's Fund to Fight Blood Cancer
Scott's Fund to Fight Blood Cancer
Detective Scott Battcher has served the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) for more than 25 years. Scott has dedicated his life to protecting and serving Douglas County, the community he grew up in, met and married his wife, and raised his family.
Recently, Scott was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare and incurable blood cancer.
Detective Scott Battcher has served the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) for more than 25 years. Scott has dedicated his life to protecting and serving Douglas County, the community he grew up in, met and married his wife, and raised his family.
Recently, Scott was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare and incurable blood cancer. Doctors believe it may be linked to toxic exposures during his law enforcement career, including benzene found in gun-cleaning products. Scott spent more than a decade on Range Staff, making these risks very real.
Scott just completed a stem cell transplant at the Huntsman Cancer Center in Utah, where he spent nearly a month. The financial (let alone the emotional) toll has been staggering—last-minute travel, lodging, medical costs, copays, lost overtime, and the extra expense of keeping his family close while he fought for his life.
Now that Scott is home, the challenges continue. His immune system is severely compromised. To keep him safe, the Battchers have had to pay for medical-level home cleaning, professional carpet and duct sanitation, specialized air purifiers, and other medical equipment. In just a few short months, Scott must return to Utah for follow-up treatments, vaccines, and additional care as his stem cells rebuild his immune system.
The Battcher family has lived, worked, and given back in every way imaginable. It’s time for us to give back to Scott. Scott served as a SWAT operator, K-9 handler, and detective, he has consistently placed himself in harm’s way for the safety of this community.
Now it’s our turn to stand with Scott. Let’s rally together and help lift the financial burden from the Battcher family’s shoulders so they can focus on what matters most: Scott’s recovery.
Every donation makes a difference!
Emergency FUND
Scott's Fund to Fight Blood Cancer
Scott's Fund to Fight Blood Cancer
The Emergency Fund provides immediate resources and support for first responders in need due to a personal crisis, medical emergencies, or other personal hardships.
BACK THE BADGE Family Foundation - WHO WE ARE:
💙 Our Mission:
To offer unwavering support and essential resources to Douglas County, NV first responders during times of crisis, medical emergencies, and personal hardships.
~ 100% of your donation stays local!
~ Veteran owned and operated non-profit!
~ Donations are tax deductible!
"Back the badge was founded to support first Responders just like My Brother in uniform, scott. He deserves our support after dedicating his life to douglas county for over 25-years. Let's rally around him now."
~ Jeff Schemenauer, Retired DCSO Sgt. & Veteran
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.
A 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, we had to leave Douglas County. I only wish a foundation like yours had existed back then.”
Another officer expressed concern when financial hardship hit his family, "Some circumstances hit our family and I could no longer work overtime to pay for the extra things we used to pay for with overtime. We began to struggle to pay our bills. We were forced to look at moving out of Douglas County because housing is so expensive."
These stories weren’t isolated. Again and again, the Schemenauer family heard similar accounts—first responder families are 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 our heroes. Donate today!
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 Crisis or Hardship
Goal 3. Building Stronger Community Connections
Goal 4. Promoting Work-Life Balance & Improved Well-being
** 100% of your donation stays local, supporting our first responders & their families.
Help Us Help Our Hero's - Events, Activities, & Partners:
Thank you to all who joined us at "a NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM" - A Hero's Gala
Jeff & Cindy at a Fundraiser in Support of First REsponders & Veterans
Thank you for all those who came out and support Back the Badge and Books Foundation!
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 more information.
BACK THE BADGE & BOOKS - WHAT WE DO:
1. Who Is Eligible?
First responders, active military personnel, and veterans currently employed in Douglas County, Nevada are eligible to receive support from the Foundation.
2. Available Programs & Support
- Emergency Fund & Direct Fund Donations
Offer immediate financial aid and critical resources for first responders facing crises, serious medical conditions, or personal hardships. - Coming Soon: Scholarships (The "Books Fund") - Contact Us Today. Looking for supporters and donors!
Educational scholarships for dependents of first responders to pursue college or technical training programs.
3. Funding Approval & Disbursement Process
- Applicants may be referred to the Foundation or may apply directly.
- Each request is evaluated based on demonstrated financial need and available resources.
- Priority consideration is given to military veterans.
- All funding decisions are made at the discretion of the Foundation’s Board, in accordance with bylaws.