Mike Vernon Blood Drive Draws More than 65 Donations

Many lives can be saved thanks to the recent donation made by area residents at the blood drive held in honor of Florissant Officer Mike Vernon.

The Red Cross with the Florissant Police Department had 75 donors during the event last week, and more than 65 units were collected. The goal of the event was 65.

“We’re happy with it,” Florissant Police Department spokesman Andy Haarman said. “We’re happy to exceed goal and see the turnout from residents.”

Florissant resident Tom Patton said he had missed his previous window of donating blood and didn’t intend for it to happen again. He thought the blood drive in honor of Mike Vernon would present the perfect opportunity.

“I live a half-mile from where it happened,” Patton said, in reference to the shooting of Officer Vernon that took place last year. “It’s a very inspiring and sad story.”

Patton said he intended to donate 100 times, and the recent blood drive made No. 86.

A man shot Officer Vernon last year while he investigated a burglary with other officers. He lost 9 pints of blood in the hospital while being treated, he said. The blood drive was a way to give back to those who donated, Vernon said, and though he had hoped to donate at the drive, he wasn’t able to as he continues a drug regimen that doesn’t make him a good donor -- yet.

Haarman said the police department could look at having another blood drive next May.

According to the Red Cross website, one pint of blood can save three lives and more than 44,000 donations are needed on a daily basis.For more information on donating to the Red Cross, visit their website.