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Claudia Cormier speaks out for the first time during a press conference in October about her life-threatening accident that occurred in May. Daily Record photo by Lance Winter

Community rallies around injured San Marcos police officer

SMDR Year in Review
Sunday, December 29, 2019

The San Marcos community was quick to respond when a San Marcos police officer suffered life-threatening injuries on May 18.

Claudia Cormier, a threeyear San Marcos Police Department veteran, was struck by an SUV while responding to a traffic hazard around 9:45 p.m. on May 18 near mile marker 202 on northbound Interstate 35. The impact caused her to lose her right leg. Texas Department of Public Safety troopers arrested the driver of the SUV — Neil Sheehan, 58 of Flower Mound — at the scene for intoxication assault on a public servant, a second-degree felony, and failure to slow causing serious bodily injury. Sheehan was taken to the Hays County Jail and was later released on bail.

Cormier, who’s undergone over 20 surgeries, said the night of May 18 changed her life forever but she’s never felt alone following the accident.

“The beauty of it is that I’ve never been alone,” Cormier said at a press conference in October. “I have a purpose that I now understand. The bond I share with my brothers and sisters in blue has pushed me to work harder to be better than before and to always strive for excellence. To all those who were there that night (of May 18), I will forever be thankful for saving my life.”

Following the accident, the community was quick to take action to raise funds to help Cormier and her family. A benefit for Cormier at Hays Co. Bar-B-Que on June 13 saw lines wrapped around the tables inside the restaurant and stretched outside into the parking lot. Thousands of people attended the benefit event.

Jayson Cormier, Claudia’s husband, talks to a crowd during a benefit event at Hays Co. Bar-B-Que in June.

Jessie Hernandez, pit apprentice at 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, donations as well as 30 percent of all restaurant sales during the event were 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.”

Bob Klett, interim chief of police and head of the San Marcos Police Department, said during the October press conference that Cormier is an inspiration to all.

“Just standing here in awe of her strength,” Klett said. “Watching her come up through this agency and seeing her determination to serve others. Even after an incredibly traumatic incident, her drive to come back is a show of strength for everybody here.”

Cormier said it will take at least a year and a half to two years before she can return to street duty but she’s determined to make it back.

“One day it remains on my mind, the day I wear the uniform and badge that I love with pride and happiness to continue serving my community,” Cormier said.

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San Marcos Record

(512) 392-2458
P.O. Box 1109, San Marcos, TX 78666