A benefit for a hero

Jayson Cormier didn’t expect the kind of support displayed at Hays Co. Bar-B-Que on Thursday.

Lines wrapped around the tables inside the restaurant and stretched outside into the parking lot. Thousands of people attended a benefit event for Cormier’s wife, Claudia Cormier — a San Marcos Police officer — who lost her right leg after responding to a road hazard on Interstate 35 on May 18.

“(The turnout was) amazing,” Jayson Cormier said. “(Claudia) wanted to be here really badly. Unfortunately, she hasn’t been able to get out of bed yet ... But we appreciate everything that has been done. We really do.”

SMPD officer Basil Pierce sits with a hearty plate of brisket and turkey and all the trimmings on Thursday.

Claudia Cormier has been through 15-20 surgeries since the accident on May 18 when she was struck by a 2000 Ford Expedition driven by Neil Sheehan, 58 of Flower Mound, who was arrested for intoxication assault on a public servant. Jayson Cormier, who’s also a SMPD officer, was one of the first to respond to accident. He said “a nightmare” didn’t even began to explain arriving to the accident.

“It’s something that she and I talked about, we’re in a dangerous profession,” Jayson Cormier said. “We knew things like that could happen but when it really did happen, it was devastating. But seeing her strength and knowing that she is going to be back, she’s not just saying that, she really is, she means it, gives me the strength to be strong for her and she’s an amazing woman. Something big is going to come out of this.”

Michael Hernandez, owner of Hays Co. Bar-B-Que, said he immediately knew he needed to help in some way after he heard about the accident. All proceeds made from a live auction, silent auction and donations will be donated to the Cormier family, Hernandez said. Additionally, 30 percent of all restaurant sales during Thursday’s event will also be given to the Cormiers.

“A lot of the officers come in here,” Hernandez said. “A lot of them are our customers. They come in here weekly, daily — EMS, fire department — those guys come in here twice a week, sometimes three times a week. So, we’re a big family and so when ever we saw this happen, my wife and I were compelled to make a difference, be that voice in the community that said, ‘Hey, let’s all stand up and let’s take a stand and support this officer in need’ … Where we can help alleviate some of that load, where we can carry the load, we’re there, not only as a business but as a community.”

Hays County Bar-B-Que general manager Jessie Miranda points at a sign for donations being taken up during Thursday’s event.

Police Chief Chase Stapp knew Thursday’s event would be successful. But as he stood in line, he said the turnout was crazy.

“It’s San Marcos, so it’s what they do,” Stapp said. “It just reinforces that our community cares about us and supports us. I mean, just look at the line. They’ll stand there and wait until it’s their turn so it’s great.”

Claudia Cormier has said she’ll return to the police department after she recovers, which her husband said will take 1-2 years.

“Once she gets back because I truly believe she will, she’s going to be a living legend,” Jayson Cormier said. “It’s going to be amazing. I guaranteeing y’all she will be back. She has the drive."

‘Get well soon officer Cormier’ drawings were displayed during the benefit for Claudia Cormier.