Tampa Police and Hillsborough Sheriff's Office Dedicate Summer Blood Drive to Fallen Officers

The Tampa Police Department and the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office are dedicating their 2011 Summer Blood Drive Campaign in honor of their fallen officers.  The event was kicked off Tuesday in Gas Light Park at 411 Franklin St., with a cookout.  Over the course of the summer, the goal is to give over 325 blood donations to help save local patient lives. 

"As first responders, law enforcement personnel see first hand the need for blood from healthy donors to be immediately available when it is needed most," said JB Gaskins, Florida Blood Services vice president. "It is commendable that not only do they understand the need, but they also help to meet it."

All lifesaving blood donors at the summer drives will receive a commemorative "Remember The Fallen" T-shirt, listing their names on the back, and a wellness check-up of blood pressure, pulse, temperature and iron count, plus a cholesterol screening. 

In addition, citizens are also invited to honor these fallen officers by donating blood at any FBS Donor Center in Hillsborough county the week of June 12-18 and receive this special T-shirt. To find the location and hours of the FBS Donor Centers in Hillsborough county please call 1-800-68 BLOOD (25663) or visit www.fbsblood.org 

All donors who give blood two times between from now through August 31 will be entered into drawings for four cruises courtesy of AAA Auto Club South.

Generally, healthy people age 16 or older who weigh at least 110 pounds can be blood donors. There is no upper age limit. Identification is required prior to donation.  For further information, please call 1-800-68-BLOOD (25663).