When a resident’s in need, deputies with the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office are ready to act.

“We’re there when we’re needed, but now it’s one of us in need,” said Lt. Tony Wooten, who is working with several local public service groups to organize a charity basketball game to benefit an ailing deputy.

Mickey Gilbertson, an eight-year veteran of the department, is suffering from kidney failure and awaiting a kidney transplant. A donor has been found, but Gilbertson needs help covering the cost of the operation.

“Mickey has done a lot for this department and this community, and we wanted to do everything we can in his time of need,” Wooten said.

A charity basketball tournament is scheduled for Dec. 6 to help offset expenses for Gilbertson, as well as costs incurred in treating the husband of a Forsyth County 911 dispatcher diagnosed with mouth cancer.

The two families will split proceeds from the basketball fundraiser, Wooten said.

The tournament will be held at Forsyth Central High School, beginning at 12:30 p.m., when the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office will face the Forsyth County Fire Department.

The Dawson County Sheriff’s Office will then face the Dawson County Fire Department at 2 p.m.

The winners of the first two games will advance to the championship game at 3:30 p.m.

“We’re going to be in a somewhat hostile environment since the game will be in Forsyth County, and they’ll definitely have a good show of supporters,” Wooten said. “We’re hoping we’ll have a lot of support from our citizens for us and for Mickey.”

Concessions, activities for the children, raffles, a cake auction and a womanless beauty pageant will help raise funds for the two families at the event as well.

E-mail Michele Hester at michele@dawsonnews.com.