Back the Badge: "We started our Foundation to give back to the heroes who’ve spent their lives helping others.
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!
Donate to One of Our Funds Below:
10-8 FUND
10-8 is "10 Code" meaning "in service". Your donation will help us keep more of our first responders "in service".
Funds for first responders in need!
Help us help our heroes today!
Emergency FUND
The Emergency Fund provides immediate resources and support for first responders in need due to a personal crisis, medical emergencies, or other personal hardships.
Funds for First Responder Scott
Funds for First Responder Scott
Directly support DCSO Detective Scott Battcher, a 25-year DCSO employee, and his family as they navigate Scott's medical crisis. They could use extra support for unexpected travel costs for specialized treatment, upcoming co-pays & deductibles, plus other costs associated with his treatment. Let's show Scott and his family Douglas County supports heroes when they are in need. Donate today!
Back the Badge: Support for first responders in their time of need!
~ Jeff Schemenauer, Veteran & Retired DCSO Sgt.
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 and Improved Well-being
** 100% of your donation stays local, supporting our first responders & their families.
Help Us Help Our Heroes - Events, Activities, & Partners:
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:
10-8 FUND
Ongoing financial assistance and resources for first responders to support their well-being and professional needs.
Emergency FUND and Direct Fund Donations:
Immediate financial aid and critical resources for first responders facing a crisis, serious medical conditions, or personal hardships.
Coming Soon: Scholarships
Educational scholarships for college or technical training programs for the dependents of first responders.
3. Funding Approval & Disbursement Process:
Applicants may be referred or self-refer to the Foundation for support. 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 established by-laws and funding availability.
"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
Why Donate? Because Heroes Need Help Too!
They spend their careers serving us — our Foundation exists to serve them when they need it most.
Your donation will help us provide our heroes with the essential resources they need during times of crisis, medical emergencies, and hardship.