Ben Neel Family Fund
Donation protected
Deputy Ben Neel has served with the Pine County Sheriff’s Office since August of 2003. Graduating from Hinckley-Finlayson High School and continuing law enforcement school at Hibbing Community College, he has been a lifelong resident of Pine County. He started his law enforcement career with the Pine County Sheriff’s Office. While serving his community, he held the School Resource Officer position at Hinckley-Finlayson High School 2013-15. He also became a trainer for Firearms, Taser, and Search and Rescue. In 2006 he became a SWAT Operator and has continued that mission through his career.
In 2016, Ben became a K9 Handler for Chewy. Over the first 15 weeks they trained together at McDonough K-9. Through many criminal apprehensions, searches, and narcotics detections, these partners are inseparable. Chewy is also a member of the SWAT team.
Through Ben’s career with PCSO, he found the love of his life, Jen. Ben and Jen both work for the Pine County Sheriff’s Office and have made a home in Pine County with their 4 wonderful children; William, Owen, Gabriel and Hunter. Recently, they purchased a home closer to work and school and have been making it their own.
On Oct 25th, Ben was in South Dakota, hunting. That morning as Ben walked into breakfast he stated he didn’t feel good and collapsed with what presented itself as a seizure. Ben went by ground ambulance to the local hospital. Doctors there found a mass on his brain and he immediately was transferred to another hospital for further testing. He remained stable during this time. After multiple tests and doctor’s appointments, it was determined that he has two tumors that will require extensive operations. Ben underwent his first surgery on December 11, 2019 to remove one tumor behind his right eye. This surgery lasted about 7 ½ hours. Due to the difficult location of the other tumor, Ben will have to undergo another surgery at a later time, once he recovers completely from the first surgery. It is unknown how long he will remain off duty. While doctoring, the family has struggled with multiple trips to the specialists and various medical appointment leading up to the surgery. Lost time from work and medical expenses have taken their toll. He is restricted from most all day to day functions until he is medically cleared.
This has been undeniably rough for Benny and his family. They have to rely on family and friends for many things that we take for granted every day. Please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
*Denise Baran works with Ben and Jen Neel at PCSO and is doing this campaign on the family’s behalf. Jen Neel is the beneficiary. Funds raised will go towards medical and funeral expenses.
In 2016, Ben became a K9 Handler for Chewy. Over the first 15 weeks they trained together at McDonough K-9. Through many criminal apprehensions, searches, and narcotics detections, these partners are inseparable. Chewy is also a member of the SWAT team.
Through Ben’s career with PCSO, he found the love of his life, Jen. Ben and Jen both work for the Pine County Sheriff’s Office and have made a home in Pine County with their 4 wonderful children; William, Owen, Gabriel and Hunter. Recently, they purchased a home closer to work and school and have been making it their own.
On Oct 25th, Ben was in South Dakota, hunting. That morning as Ben walked into breakfast he stated he didn’t feel good and collapsed with what presented itself as a seizure. Ben went by ground ambulance to the local hospital. Doctors there found a mass on his brain and he immediately was transferred to another hospital for further testing. He remained stable during this time. After multiple tests and doctor’s appointments, it was determined that he has two tumors that will require extensive operations. Ben underwent his first surgery on December 11, 2019 to remove one tumor behind his right eye. This surgery lasted about 7 ½ hours. Due to the difficult location of the other tumor, Ben will have to undergo another surgery at a later time, once he recovers completely from the first surgery. It is unknown how long he will remain off duty. While doctoring, the family has struggled with multiple trips to the specialists and various medical appointment leading up to the surgery. Lost time from work and medical expenses have taken their toll. He is restricted from most all day to day functions until he is medically cleared.
This has been undeniably rough for Benny and his family. They have to rely on family and friends for many things that we take for granted every day. Please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
*Denise Baran works with Ben and Jen Neel at PCSO and is doing this campaign on the family’s behalf. Jen Neel is the beneficiary. Funds raised will go towards medical and funeral expenses.
Organizer and beneficiary
Denise Baran
Organizer
Pine City, MN
Denise Baran
Beneficiary