Back the Badge: "We started our Foundation to give back to the hero's who’ve spent their lives helping others.
How You Can Help Our Hero's:
Scott's Emergency Fund to Fight Blood Cancer
“Scott has always had our backs—now it’s time we have his.”
– Jeff Schemenauer
I had the honor of serving alongside Detective Scott Battcher for more than 25 years at the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO). Scott isn’t just a co-worker—he’s my best friend, my brother in uniform, and someone who has always been there when it mattered m
“Scott has always had our backs—now it’s time we have his.”
– Jeff Schemenauer
I had the honor of serving alongside Detective Scott Battcher for more than 25 years at the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO). Scott isn’t just a co-worker—he’s my best friend, my brother in uniform, and someone who has always been there when it mattered most.
Scott is a lifelong Douglas County resident. He was raised here, graduated from Douglas High School, and chose to dedicate his life to serving and protecting the very community that raised him. He married his high school sweetheart, Sherri—who has devoted her career to teaching in the Douglas County School District—and together they raised three incredible children here. Two of them have even followed in their parents’ footsteps: one as a deputy with DCSO and another as a teacher in our schools. The Battcher family has lived, worked, and given back to this community in every way imaginable.
Now, Scott needs us.
Recently, Scott was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare and incurable blood cancer. It is believed that is may be linked to years of toxic exposure during his law enforcement career—like the benzene found in gun-cleaning products we all used. Right now, Scott is undergoing a stem cell transplant at the Huntsman Cancer Center in Utah. He must remain there for at least 30 days, and his family is shouldering an enormous financial burden—last-minute travel, lodging, medical costs, copays, lost overtime, and the added expense of keeping family and friends close while he fights for his life.
I know Scott. He’s the guy who never hesitated to put himself in harm’s way for others—as a SWAT operator, K-9 handler, Range Staff member, and detective. He’s answered the call for our community time and again, with honor and sacrifice.
But this fight—he can’t face alone.
I’m asking all of you, as someone who has stood beside Scott through it all, to stand with him now. Let’s rally together as a community and lift some of the burden from the Battcher family’s shoulders, giving them the strength and peace of mind to focus on Scott’s healing.
Please support #SupportScottStrong and #BackingtheBattchers however you can. Every donation matters. Every share matters. Together, we can give back to a man who has already given us so much.
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.
10-8 FUND
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!
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 best friend, 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
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.
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!
Help Us Help Our Hero's - 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!
Thank you to all who joined us at "a NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM" - A Hero's Gala
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.
Why Donate? Because Hero's 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, like Detective Scott Battcher, with the essential resources they need during times of crisis, medical emergencies, and hardship.
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
Provides ongoing financial assistance and resources to support the well-being and professional needs of first responders. - Emergency Fund & Direct Fund Donations
Offers immediate financial aid and critical resources for first responders facing crises, serious medical conditions, or personal hardships. - Coming Soon: Scholarships
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 established bylaws and available funding.