Barbecue Fundraiser Raises $7,200 in an Hour for Cancer Treatments

Dorchester County deputy's fight against cancer draws community support.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A one-hour barbecue fundraiser organized by the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office raised about $7,200 to help cover the medical expenses of Detective Sgt. Tracy Cowee, who is battling cancer. The event saw a large turnout from residents and officers across law enforcement agencies in the Summerville and Dorchester County area.

Why it matters

The fundraiser demonstrates the community's spirit of supporting those in need, particularly within the law enforcement community. Two other local officers have also recently gone through cancer treatment, highlighting the importance of this type of grassroots effort to assist colleagues and neighbors facing serious health challenges.

The details

The barbecue fundraiser was held at the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office on Friday. Food was prepared by Michael Parker of The Farmer's Daughter and Hickory Bluff Farms. Dorchester County Sheriff Sam Richardson said he was humbled by the strong turnout, with a long line of residents and officers from other agencies filling the parking lot to show their support.

  • The fundraiser was held on Friday, February 23, 2026.

The players

Tracy Cowee

A detective sergeant with the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office who is battling cancer.

Sam Richardson

The Dorchester County Sheriff who expressed gratitude for the community's support.

Chris Hirsch

The Summerville Police Deputy Chief who noted the department has also had two officers go through cancer treatment recently.

Michael Parker

The owner of The Farmer's Daughter and Hickory Bluff Farms who prepared the food for the fundraiser.

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What they’re saying

“This is what Summerville's spirit and Dorchester County's spirit are all about — people supporting people in need.”

— Sam Richardson, Dorchester County Sheriff (abcnews4.com)

“This year, we've had two of our own officers go through cancer as well. We had a great turnout and want to return the favor. If we can support anybody any way possible, that's what we're going to do. This turnout is amazing.”

— Chris Hirsch, Summerville Police Deputy Chief (abcnews4.com)

The takeaway

This grassroots fundraiser demonstrates the tight-knit community spirit of Summerville and Dorchester County, where residents and law enforcement officers have come together to support one of their own facing a serious health challenge. The overwhelming response highlights the importance of community-driven efforts to assist those in need, especially within public service professions like law enforcement.