Thousands Raised for Injured Deputy

More than 1,000 people supported recovering Senior Sheriff’s Deputy Dan McSkimming last Saturday, donating $55,000 at a barbecue fundrasier at the Goleta Elks Lodge. Last August, 16-year department veteran McSkimming suffered a stroke after a blood clot — which formed when he twisted his neck while on patrol — was released during a chiropractic adjustment. He has made major strides since but has mounting medical bills and isn’t receiving worker’s comp. More than 300 people have donated $60,820 through an online GoFundMe account.

Sergeant Marc Hammill, who’s been McSkimming’s pal and colleague for 16 years, helped organize the fundraiser and thanked the cadre of volunteers. “In my 17 years at the Sheriff’s Office, I have never seen such an outpouring of support,” he said. “We were fortunate to have Dan at the event for about an hour, and you could tell he was touched and blown away by the love and camaraderie from the community, his family, and his friends.”