Major support for police captain battling ALS

West Palm Beach-- Police Captain Daniel Sargent was diagnosed with ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease last January.

Ever since then it has been an uphill battle between him and the neuro-muscular disease.

But fellow police officers have been there every step of the way.

A major fundraiser, which shut down Clematis street at the fountain, was held at Grease Burger Bar.

About 350 fellow police men and women showed up for a raffle and bracelet fundraiser in honor of Sargent.

Typically the cost of care for an ALS patient can run up to $200,000 per year.

Fellow officers, who've held previous fundraisers, made his home handicapped accessible. He also has a van which he uses to take to work every day.

Sargent is still in charge of the special investigations division.

He was stunned at the outpouring of support.

"They've done stuff I never imagined. I didn't ask for anything, they just came and took care of me like one of the family. It's been unbelievable and very humbling," said Sargent.

West Palm Beach Police Chief Delsa Bush was not surprised. "When I address the officers, I tell them that number one, we are not just the West Palm Beach Police Department. We are the West Palm Beach Police family," she said.

Police did not know how much money was raised in the Monday night fundraiser, but they hope it's enough to cover Sargent's experimental ALS medication which tends to be the biggest ticket item.

Sargent, who was born and raised in West Palm Beach, has been on the force for 25 years.