Spaghetti fundraiser helps Lincoln 911 dispatcher with muscular dystrophy

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Lincoln Police showed up to support one of their own at a spaghetti supper on Monday night.

Court Cleland used to be a police officer, but he was diagnosed with myotonic muscular dystrophy and Barrett’s syndrome, which is damage to the esophagus lining.

His health forced him to retire from his job as an officer. Instead, he began working for Lincoln and Lancaster County as a 911 dispatcher in 2020.

In September, Cleland spent 12 days in the hospital after he woke up unable to breathe or walk.

And the procedures he underwent weren’t covered by insurance.

So LPD banded together to host a spaghetti supper fundraiser to help Cleland and his family.

His younger brother, Cameron, said Court is “my hero.”

“He’s always been a part of this community,” he said. “He’s worked and lived in Lincoln pretty much his whole adult life. And we know that it’s a great community, but just to see all of these people come out just reinforces it’s awesome here.”

All of the money raised at the fundraiser went directly to Cleland and his family.

If you weren’t able to make it, LPD said donations can be sent to Cleland’s Venmo account @CourtCleland.