12/23/2024
Walker Heyer could not wait.
After lifting a large package from the back of the deputy’s pickup and placing it on the snow-covered street, the 3 1/2-year-old pulled the brightly colored paper away from the box strip by strip, passing each torn piece to a nearby adult.
Inside that box were clothes; snow boots were in another. Others held a large Tonka dump truck and dozer.
As Walker marveled at each gift, whispered a thank you or passed out knuckles to his benefactors -- members of the Rice County Deputy Sheriff's Association -- his mother, Kianna Thomson, smiled.
It’s been a difficult couple of months for Thomson, whose past partner, Dalton Heyer, was killed in an October motorcycle crash on Cannon Lake Trail.
Thomson says it’s been difficult emotionally and financially since the crash, but she’s determined to ensure Walker has a happy Christmas.
While money’s been tight, Walker’s joyfulness has lightened the load.
“It’s different,” she said, “but we’re still having a very good Christmas.”
Different, too, is the Association’s assistance to local families. In addition to donating gifts and gift cards to struggling Rice County families through HOPE Center’s annual Giving Tree program, association members also are using funds they’re raised to adopt two local families needing some holiday cheer.
Sgt. Dan Belcourt responded to the scene of Dalton Heyer’s crash, later learned about the loved ones Heyer left behind and thought a mom with a young son could really use a boost this holiday season.
On Monday morning, Belcourt and four of his colleagues, -- Sgt. Trevor Peterson, deputies Chris Tonjum, Larry Stone, John Pesta and Ben Borash, and K-9 deputy Moose – came calling, bringing Walker and his mom a sack full of toys and handful of gift cards.
The assistance is helping to fill the emotional and financial gaps, said Thomson, who admits to breaking down after receiving the deputy’s call.
“Because of this,” she said, “my son’s going to have an even better Christmas.”
