Maricopa blood drive to honor memory of 411 first responders

Our lives can change in an instant and they did on September 11th . . .

Immediately following the attacks, thousands of people came together to give blood. Amid the feelings of helplessness, giving blood was one way many Americans sought to help. On that tragic day, a total of 411 emergency first responders lost their lives. Join firefighters and police officers in a Valley-wide effort to donate a pint of blood for every life lost among their ranks. Be counted as one of the 411 people to donate in their honor.

“I knew friends, relatives and brother firemen who were in those buildings on Sept.11. .My family members made it out alive, but 50 people from my hometown perished,” said Rich Damante, a former New York firefighter who also works as a United Blood Services/Arizona Donor Recruitment Representative.

Damante’s compassion for the fallen firefighters motivated him to launch a Valley-wide tribute to give blood in their honor. “Some of the men who taught me to be a firefighter were members of the FDNY,” reflected Damante. “When I watched on TV, it was not the sight that got to me, but the sound. If you listen to the footage, you will hear the chirping noises of the PASS alarm that is activated when a firefighter is down. I knew what that sound meant.”

In appreciation for joining the effort, all donors will receive a patriotic commemorative T-shirt. To make an appointment at the Maricopa location, call 1-877-448-GIVE (4483) toll free or visit www.bloodhero.com/ (for ease of navigation, enter the sponsor code: cityofmaricopa).

In Maricopa the donation site will be the fire station at 44624 W. Garvey from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 9.

“Show your hearts for fellow Americans by donating blood,” said Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman, one of the drive’s organizers. “It is truly an unselfish act with a heroic outcome.”

If you go:

What: Sept. 11 fallen first responders memorial blood drive
When: Tuesday, Sept. 9, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: Fire station; 44624 W. Garvey (off John Wayne Parkway)

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