Community Supports Officer Battling ALS

Photo courtesy Ocean County Sheriff’s Office

  TOMS RIVER – Local law enforcement and members of the community all came together on August 7 to support an Ocean County Sheriff’s Office detective battling ALS.

  Detective Phil Sickinger, 39, was diagnosed with ALS in January of 2020. He has the support of his loving wife Diana and their daughters, 4-year-old Harper and 8-year-old Olivia.

  In addition to the ALS, Sickinger found he was suffering from Lyme disease and mold toxicity. This changed his ability to doing anything physical, like his job with the Sheriff’s Office and playing with his daughters. He had a difficult time writing and typing, and now has to use a special recliner that elevates him out of his seat.

Photo courtesy Ocean County Sheriff’s Office

  When word got out about Sickinger’s condition, a GoFundMe page was started and all funds would be used to assist him and his family during this difficult time.

  On August 7, the Ocean County Sheriff’s PBA Local #379 held a fundraising event to help raise money for Sickinger and his family.

  The event welcomed officers from several local police departments including Toms River Police Department, Berkeley Township Police Department and so many more.

  At the event, Nick from Lacey Township held a lemonade stand and was able to raise over $1,000 for the Sickinger family.