Morris County Sheriff’s Officer With ALS Rallies To Fund Cure Research

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — A Morris County Sheriff’s Officer who has been diagnosed with ALS is using the time he has left to help other people who have or will have the disease.

Christopher Murarik, 40, previously worked for the New Jersey State Department of Corrections and the Morris County Correctional Facility before transferring to the Sheriff's Office Bureau of Law Enforcement in 2017, from which he was quickly assigned to the K-9 Section.

Additionally, before and during his career with the Sheriff’s Office, Murarik served with the U.S. Army National Guard, with whom he has served overseas.

“If you know me, you know that service has been a major part of my life. Long before I began my career in public service, I found purpose in helping others through 4-H, working as a special education aide, and coaching young swimmers,” Murarik said in a statement. “At just 40 years old, I have spent much of my adult life answering the call to service as both a law enforcement officer and an Army National Guard officer. Simply put, when people needed help, I showed up.”

Murarik was recently diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, a progressive neurological disease that damages the nerve cells controlling voluntary muscle movement, leading to muscle weakness.

With no cure discovered yet, Murarik wants to use his time to continue helping people, this time, people affected by the same disease he is.

“Like many people who receive this diagnosis, I was faced with two choices. I could focus only on what ALS might take away, or I could focus on what I can still do to make a difference,” Murarik says. “I chose the second option.”

The sheriff’s officer has launched a campaign, called "Standing Patch to Patch in the Fight Against ALS," of which every cent raised will go towards the ALS Therapy Development Institute. The 27-year-old nonprofit and drug discovery lab focuses solely on ALS research.

“My hope is that the funds raised through this campaign will help researchers develop better treatments and ultimately find a cure—not only for me, but for every person and family facing this disease now and in the future,” Murarik said. “Throughout my life, I have been fortunate to be part of communities that believe in showing up when people needed help. As a law enforcement officer and Army National Guard officer, I have seen firsthand the impact that people can have when they come together for a common purpose.”

He added that none of the funds will go towards his medical expenses, but all will go towards ALS research.

So far, Murarik’s GoFundMe has raised more than $53,000 in donations.

In addition, the MCSO PBA Local 151 will be hosting a clam bake to support Murarik's mission on July 23.

The clam bake fundraiser runs from 6 to 9 p.m. and will feature food, beverages, and more. Tickets cost $85 per person, with proceeds supporting Murarik.

Those unable to attend can still contribute by sending payment through Venmo (@PBA-LocalMorris-SheriffLE) or by making checks payable to PBA 151, noting "ALS Fundraiser" in the payment memo. For more information, organizers ask attendees to contact Rosie at 973-477-1569.