Lincoln Police hosting spaghetti dinner to help with dispatcher’s medical costs

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Lincoln Police Department will raise funds next week for a dispatcher’s medical expenses.

Court Cleland, who is also a former officer, has been dealing with “significant health issues,” police said Friday.

He has myotonic muscular dystrophy and Barrett’s syndrome, which is damage to the esophagus lining.

In September, Cleland was taken to the emergency room after waking up unable to breathe or walk.

He spent 12 days in the hospital, undergoing multiple procedures and complications.

Cleland must now use a feeding tube to eat and drink.

Despite the obstacles, Cleland returned to work in November.  But the medical expenses are not covered by insurance, police said.

To help the Cleland family, police are hosting a spaghetti dinner at the Lincoln Firefighters Reception Hall on Monday from 4 to 8 p.m.

The cost is $10 per plate, but kids 5 and under are free.  All proceeds will go toward Cleland’s medical costs.

The dinner includes spaghetti, salad, bread, a drink and a dessert.  To-go containers will be available.

Police said there will be $1 raffle tickets for nearly 30 different items, which are listed on the event’s Facebook page.

Santa is also making a stop at the dinner from 5 to 7 p.m.

Police ask people to RSVP on Facebook.

Cleland started with LPD in October 1993 and earned his commission as a police officer in October 1995.

His disease forced him to retire in November 2020, so he moved to work as a dispatcher.