Four-year-old Charlee Lacey of Rock Springs, Wyoming, has been through a lot in her short life — and it’s already taught her so much about the importance of first responders that she’s started collecting patches from police, fire and emergency agencies around the world. Her parents, Stephaney and Brian, are sharing her story in the press and on social media in the hopes of gathering more of the “hero patches” that bring her such joy.
Charlee’s experience with first responders began before she was even born, when Stephaney went into labor at just 24 weeks of pregnancy and had to be airlifted to a Utah hospital. Charlee ended up being born at 39 weeks, but endured serious health issues as an infant. She was able to recover, but then saw her family experience a series of medical emergencies.
Charlee’s grandfather, who she had a close relationship with, died suddenly of renal failure when she was 2 years old. Then, in June 2025, mother and daughter were involved in a car accident when Stephaney suffered an ischemic stroke while driving. Both were uninjured, but just three months later, Stephaney needed emergency surgery to remove gallstones that were causing some of her organs to shut down. That same month, she discovered she was expecting another baby — but the child died in utero in November.
Through it all, Charlee, who has autism, was by her mother’s side and struggling to make sense of the family’s tragedies. One thing that’s helped is her growing collection of patches from public safety departments. It began with a visit to the Rock Springs Police Department in June 2024, when Chief Bill Erspaumer presented Charlee and her cousin with patches as souvenirs. Hearing how much the child loved her police patch, Deputy Casey Watkins with the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office brought her one from his agency. Stephaney began spreading the word about Charlee’s collection on social media, which inspired a visit from Steven Michael of the Wyoming Highway Patrol, as well as mailings of patches from Maine, North Dakota, Alaska and Hawaii.
Stephaney told Cowboy State Daily that despite all the challenges she’s experienced, Charlee “has the brightest outlook on life” and treats everyone as a friend. She is thrilled by her “patch buddies” who send her symbols of the law enforcement officers, firefighters and paramedics she views as “superheroes.”
“Charlee recognizes first responders,” Stephaney said. “She will point to them and say, ‘They saved mine and my mommy’s life.’ She’s asked for more ‘hero patches,’ and she would love to continue adding to her collection.”
At the family’s request, anyone who would like to contribute first responder patches can send them to:
Charlee Lacey
443 Valley View Lane #36
Rock Springs, WY 82901
