09/08/2026
Beyond proud of our community coming together to make this event so special. Our family here is like no other! Patterson Harbor Strong!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Harlan County Sheriff’s Office
Patterson Harbor Camper Fire — June 14, 2026
HARLAN COUNTY, NEBRASKA — On June 14, 2026, emergency personnel responded to Patterson Harbor Campground for a camper fire involving an occupant who was unable to safely exit the camper.
At the time the fire was discovered, the victim was reportedly in the shower. The fire was located immediately adjacent to the camper’s door, significantly limiting the victim’s ability to escape.
Upon noticing smoke coming from the camper, Chris Preble immediately entered the burning camper to assist. Preble located the victim and helped remove her from the camper through the flames. Cory Nielsen also responded to assist with the rescue and helped get the victim to safety.
As a result of their efforts, both Preble and the victim sustained burns to multiple areas of their bodies and required treatment in a burn unit. Nielsen suffered smoke inhalation while assisting with the rescue.
The actions of Preble and Nielsen, combined with the immediate assistance provided by citizens at the campground who worked to help bring the fire under control, were crucial in preventing a tragic outcome. Given the circumstances of the fire and the victim’s location inside the camper, it is highly likely the victim would not have survived without the immediate intervention of those who came to her aid.
The Republican City Fire Department, Alma Fire and Rescue, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Harlan County Sheriff’s Office all responded to the incident and worked together at the scene.
On September 6, 2026, a recognition dinner was held at the Beach Bar at Patterson Harbor to honor the individuals whose actions contributed to the victim’s rescue.
During the dinner, Chris Preble and Cory Nielsen were each presented with the Harlan County Sheriff’s Office Good Samaritan Award by Chief Deputy Spellman and Deputy Trosper. The awards recognized their extraordinary courage, selflessness, and willingness to place themselves in danger to assist another person in need.
The Harlan County Sheriff’s Office extends its sincere appreciation to Preble and Nielsen for their actions that day, as well as to the citizens who immediately stepped forward to assist with the fire. Their actions demonstrate the importance of remaining willing to help others during an emergency.
The Sheriff’s Office also recognizes and thanks all of the responding agencies for their professional and coordinated response to the incident.
The actions taken at Patterson Harbor on June 14, 2026 serve as a powerful example of courage, selflessness, and community cooperation.
Pictured: (left to right) Deputy Braden Trosper, Chris Preble, Cory Nielsen, Chief Deputy Tucker Spellman
