Somerton firefighters give gift of life

SOMERTON — Firefighters, police officers and other public safety employees were among those who rolled up their sleeves to save lives by donating blood on Tuesday morning.

"They know the need. They see it every day" said Debra Vincelette, associate supervisor for United Blood Services. "The demand for blood is always there."

The public safety employees were among the 12 people who had already signed up to donate blood during a United Blood Services blood drive held at the Somerton Library.

"Having 12 people signed up means we have 12 pints of blood so far," Vincelette said. "Hopefully we will get some more from walk-ins."

Vincelette went on to say how appreciative she was to the public safety employees for coming to donate, but wasn't surprised by their selfless example.

"They come to donate every time," Vincelette said.

Robby Rodriguez, spokesman for the Somerton/Cocopah Fire Department, also spoke of seeing that need for blood every day.

"We are in the business of saving lives and this is just another way to do it," Rodriguez said.

Chris Gregory, an engineer with the Somerton/Cocopah Fire Department, was one of the firefighters who gave blood.

"We are affiliated with the hospital and they are always short of blood," Gregory said. "So whenever there is a blood drive we try to round up as many qualified people as we can to donate blood."

Vincelette said this is the first time United Blood Services has held a blood drive at the Somerton Library.

The last time the organization held a blood drive here, which was back on Jan. 13, it was held in front of the Community Center.

"There wasn't much of a response," Vincelette said.

She is hoping that since so many people typically go to the library on a daily basis, that holding it there could amount to more donors giving blood.

"We are hoping some people who come to the library today will see us here and decide to donate some blood also," Vincelette said.

United Blood Services next blood drive is scheduled for Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Desert Rose in Yuma.

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James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854.

WHY YOU SHOULD DONATE BLOOD

1. Every 2 seconds someone needs blood.
2. Each unit of blood donated can help up to 3 people.
3. There is no substitute for human blood.
4. Donors can give whole blood every 56 days.
5. When you donate, your blood is helping another person within about 10 days.