NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (KNOP) – Community members gathered Monday at Axes and Aces for a spaghetti dinner to support North Platte Police Department dispatcher Jason Eastman.

Eastman, who has worked for the department for 24 years, has been hospitalized since July with multiple complications requiring surgery, according to Sgt. Justin Erikson of the North Platte Police Department.

“Everything comes with a cost, and he’s out of a job, and that’s something else. So it’s our duty to come together again as family and friends to help him,” Sgt. Erikson said.

Eastman answered the call, and now the community is calling each other.

“Answering 911 calls can be extremely stressful and take 24 years of your career to do it. We should all be proud of ourselves and we all are,” Sergeant Erikson said. “I think we’re showing that by coming together as a family, as a police first responder family and as friends just to get together and try to raise money for Jason and all of his medical complications.”

The event featured a silent auction, including a $500 beef package donated by Dr. Susan’s Veterinary Clinic. Additionally, the first 50 families to attend received a 3D printed cross made by one of Eastman’s friends.

All proceeds from the dinner and raffle will go to support Eastman’s medical expenses.

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