Fallen Officer Blood Drive is Thursday in Mishawaka

Over thirty-five strangers saved the life of RayWolfenbarger on a cold December night back in 2001.  It’s a day his wife, and mother of daughter Bailee, will probably never forget.

Wolfenbarger, a South Bend Police Officer, was shot three times while making a routine traffic stop. He was wearing a bullet proof vest; however, he lost over 35 units of blood during surgery and needed several more in the days that followed. 

Today, some may notice his limp or that he walks with a cane, but it rarely slows him down and hasn’t stopped him from cheering loudly at his daughter’s sporting events.  Every milestone is a precious one and time with family isn’t taken for granted.

Ray’s well aware of the importance of blood donations and that if it weren’t for those 35+ people who walked through the door at The Medical Foundation to donate, he wouldn’t be here today.  And it’s that reason that he donates his time and helps plan the Fallen Officer Blood Drive each year at the South Bend and Mishawaka Police Departments.

Last week, the South Bend Police Department hosted their blood drive and 73 people, officers and civilians, gave of their time and a unit of blood to show their support for the families of those who have lost loved ones to violence.

On Thursday, June 26^th, Gary Roberts, will spend time thanking blood donors who show up at the Mishawaka Police Department for their gift of blood. Gary’s brother, Corporal Tom Roberts, and fellow officer, Bryan Verkler were both shot and killed while responding to a dispute in Mishawaka in December of 2003. 

Since his brother’s death, Gary has been active in Project Blue Light, a nationwide recognition of those Police Officers who have died in the line of duty.  He’s also been active in the Mishawaka Police Department Blood Drive honoring fallen officers.

This year, Gary will donate his 24^th unit in memory of his brother.

Fallen Officer Blood Drives are held in all 92 Indiana counties and was started by Janice Starnes, whose husband, Daniel, died in the line of duty in 2001.  During the Medical Foundation Fallen Officer Blood Drives we remember the families of officers who died in the line of duty including the families of Thomas DeRue, Sr., Paul Deguch, Scott Severns, Nick Polizzotto, Tom Roberts, Bryan Verkler, Jim Szuba and his K9 Ricky.

If you would like to donate blood, visit the MishawakaPolice Station located at 200 North Church Street in Mishawaka on Thursday, June 26^th from 10am until 4pm. To make an appointment, visit www.GiveBloodNow.com.  If you cannot donate during those times, visit The Medical Foundation locations on Lafayette Boulevard in South Bend, Edison and Main in Mishawaka or at the Elkhart General Hospital.