Ocean County Sheriff’s Office PBA holding fundraiser to help Detective battling ALS

It's time for us to come together to help a dedicated and beloved member of the law enforcement community: Ocean County Sheriff's Office Detective Phil Sickinger who is nearly two-years into an ALS diagnoses.

As November 1 marks the beginning of #NoShaveNovember, the Ocean County Sheriff's PBA Local 379 is putting down their razors to grow out facial hair (or put on fake mustaches) and are holding a fundraising drive to raise money for Detective Sickinger and his family.

The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office is also helping raise funds and support for Detective Sickinger.

OCSO Officer Don Fazio, who is overseeing the drive, issued a statement on their PayPal fundraiser page.

"Once again, this year’s No Shave November will benefit our friend Det. Cpl. Philip Sickinger. Phil is an eighteen year veteran of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department and currently handles all fugitive matters. In January of 2020, Phil was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. ALS is a nervous system disease that weakens muscles and impacts physical function. Though treatable, there is no cure for ALS. Phil continues to work hard and provide for his wife and two young daughters but the financial burden brought on by this disease has become overwhelming. That’s why all proceeds from this year’s event will once again go to Phil and his family. This has been an extremely heartbreaking and difficult time for the Sickingers, the last thing they need is the added stress of financial worry. Please help our friend Phil and his family by donating. Your gift is appreciated more than words can ever say, thank you."

Detective Sickinger, 40, and his wife Diana, who recently celebrated their 11th wedding anniversary, have two daughters, Olivia, 9, and Harper, 5.

Prior to his current role with the OCSO, Detective Sinkinger served the department in a number of ranks and roles that include the Ocean County Regional SWAT Team and the Marine Unit and he was also a firearms instructor and a drone operator.

In addition to the fundraising page set up, you can also show support on social media by visiting the 'Ocean County Mo's 4 Phil' page on Facebook and as Diana told Townsquare Media News this time last year, keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

"Just the continued prayers and the continued support, the continued love and respect and kindness...people have been very good about giving us our space but also being so close to the perimeter and knowing when they can help us," Diana said. "I think just continuing to pray for our family and take care of us and take care of their own families and just try and be kind to one another. If you see us out, just keep cheering us on."

Phil and Diana shared their story with us last year and it's something that, if you have the time, we'd like for you to watch again and read again to help share the story yourselves.

If you can donate, please do, but everyone can keep Phil, Diana, Olivia and Harper in your thoughts and prayers during this time and if you see them around -- just smile and wave, share some positive vibes to keep their spirits up.

We can do this, let's come together to help one of our heroes and his family.