Emergency Blood Drive Held For Injured Miami Officer
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - A show of support for a Miami police officer who was injured in an accident over the weekend.
Wednesday an emergency blood drive is being held at Miami Police headquarters at 400 NW 2 Avenue for Officer Mario Gonzalez.
"What we want is for everyone to come out. Our officer is in dire need of blood. He had an off-duty motorcycle crash on Sunday morning off SW 8th Street towards Krome Avenue. He's in dire need of blood. We want the community to come together. Come show your support by donating blood," said Officer Kenya Fallat.
There are three OneBlood Big Red Buses parked outside the police headquarters where people can donate.
There are three buses right outside of @MiamiPD at 400 N.W. 2 Avenue, Miami FL. 33128. You can donate until 6 PM @CBSMiami pic.twitter.com/ernUyfQCa1
— Karli Barnett (@KarliBarnett) February 6, 2019
"It's the time where our family in blue comes together with his family. He's a father, a husband, a son. We want him to pull through and he is in dire need of emergency blood," said Fallat.
Gonzalez remains in serious condition at Kendall Regional Medical Center.
Those who know him say they would do whatever they could to help.
"This is not only a great cause, but it's a personal cause to me. You know, he's a brother, and he's one of the nicest people you're going to meet," said Fallat.
Even those not wearing badges came out to donate.
"I feel like they fight for our safety, so we can do something to help out. A little bit to give back," said Edlin Araque.
"As Mayor I'm here to support everyone giving blood. I'm giving blood. I really would like members of the public to come out as well. We have a Go Fund Me account that has raised over $20 thousand. He's been through multiple surgeries," said Mayor Frances Suarez.
An officer who works every day to help others is now in need of help himself and people are stepping up to show their support.
"I feel like a hero needed help so I'm here to help," said Araque. )
