The Boston Police Patrolman’s Association organized a blood drive today in honor of Richard Cintolo and Matt Morris, two officers nearly gunned down in East Boston last week. Both officers, who initially needed several blood transfusions, are now expected to make a full recovery.
"The blood that our men, our brothers received a week ago at Mass General saved their lives," says Patrick Rose, president of the Patrolman's Association.
And it isn’t just police giving back. Officer Morris’ wife Caitlin also donated blood along with dozens of others from the community who wanted to help.
Red Cross officials say it takes about an hour to donate a pint of blood. And that one pint can save up to three lives. Nationally, the Red Cross just replenished an extremely low summer blood supply so the timing of this event couldn’t be better.
"We cannot wait for tragedies like this to make sure there is access to blood for all patients no matter their condition," says Alyson Barraza with Red Cross.
The Patrolman’s Association says this is just the beginning. Several more blood drives are planned especially during the upcoming holidays, when blood donations are usually down.
