Wednesday, February 8, 2023, the Cherry County Courtroom was full. Not to see an accused get sentenced. Instead, it was for a very good cause. President and Co-Founder of Black Hills Badges for Hope, Dustin Calhoun came to Valentine after he’d heard about the incident that occurred to Officer Jasmie Hoefs during the storm before Christmas, Friday, December 17, 2022. Hoefs was critically injured while helping a citizen who was experiencing a medical emergency. During the incident, Officer Hoefs was accidently backed over by a payloader that was on scene helping EMS get to the citizen having the medical emergency. Many, many, surgeries later, she is healing and calls the incident, “Nightmare before Christmas.” However, to help offset the costs of healing, Calhoun made a donation that would help keep her children, Jeremiah, and Brynn, doing the things they like doing best, such as wrestling and dancing. Afterwards, there were treats made by Deb Hand. Attending the reception were Valentine Police Department, Cherry County Sheriff Department, Nebraska State Patrol, Cherry County EMS, Cherry County Dispatch, Cherry County Jailers, Courthouse staff, Health and Human Resources friends, and family. Hoefs has hopes of returning to the Valentine Police Department sometime this coming December. She is still working on mobility and dexterity. Pictured are from L to R: Jeremiah Hoefs, Officer Jasmine Hoefs, and President and Co-founder of Badges for Hope Dustin Calhoun.
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Photo by Laura Vroman
