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The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is rallying support for one of our own who is recovering from a life-changing medical event that has presented tremendous challenges both for the deputy and his family.  43-year-old Senior Deputy Dan McSkimming, a 16-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office, husband and father of two, is undergoing a major rehabilitation after hurting his neck last August while working a patrol shift in the City of Carpinteria.  Sr. Dep. McSkimming subsequently suffered a stroke and was placed into a medically-induced coma for several weeks.  Since then he has made major strides in his rehabilitation, but he still has a long road of recovery ahead.

As a way to support Sr. Dep. McSkimming and his family during this challenging time and to help raise money to assist with long-term medical care, the Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Team Support Foundation (a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit group) and members of the Sheriff’s Office are holding a BBQ Benefit and Silent Auction for Sr. Dep. McSkimming and his family on Saturday, February 21, 2015 from 11:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Elks Lodge located at 150 N. Kellogg Avenue in Goleta.  Tickets are $10 at the door. The silent auction and raffle items include vacation packages, autographed sports memorabilia and firearms safety and skills training. 

The Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Team Support Foundation also set up a GoFundMe account for the McSkimming family, which has raised more than $58,000 so far.  Staci McSkimming, Dan’s wife of 13 years, said she is extremely touched by the community’s generosity.  She said, “Words can’t express just how thankful we are for all of the love and support we have received from friends, family, co-workers and perfect strangers.” 

During his career at the Sheriff’s Office, Sr. Dep. McSkimming has worked in a variety of assignments including South County Patrol, the Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Team, Forensics, Gang Suppression and the Sheriff’s Training Bureau.  Prior to coming to the Sheriff’s Office, McSkimming worked for Juvenile Probation. 

Benefit organizer and fellow deputy Sgt. Marc Hammill said the event is a way to give back to a man who has made a difference.  Sgt. Hammill said, “Dan has had a tremendously positive impact on our community, the Sheriff’s Office, his profession and on his many friends throughout the Tri-Counties.”

“Thanks to his remarkable will and fortitude, Dan has made great strides in recovering from this devastating blow,” said Sheriff Bill Brown.  “I am so proud of Dan and of everyone – friends, colleagues and strangers alike – who are stepping up to help him and his family during this time of need.”

To learn more about the GoFundMe account set up to benefit the McSkimming family go to www.gofundme.com/benefitfordan.