Blood Donations, Contributions For Deputy Injured During Shootout
By Kathy Walsh
PARKER, Colo. (CBS4) - Support for a critically wounded Douglas County Sheriff's Office deputy keeps growing.
On Monday, people lined up to donate for a blood drive in Douglas County Detective Dan Brite's honor. About 40 people, all Bonfils could handle, answered the call for the mobile blood drive at the Parker Police Station.
"It's just something I can do to help," said Frank Rogers, a long-time blood donor.
It was Stacy Mickelson's first time giving blood, "I love the community of Parker."
That's why both Mickelson and Rogers rolled up their sleeves in honor of Det. Brite. On Sept. 2, Brite was shot and critically wounded by a suicidal man.
"It's just becoming too violent, too nuts in this world anymore, " said John Ruth.
Ruth drove to the mobile blood drive unit from Castle Rock to fulfill, what he calls, an obligation.
"In Colorado, this is what we do, right," Ruth told CBS4's Kathy Walsh.
Every donor slot at the bloodmobile was filled Monday. The giving follows a Sunday where support for the deputy was overwhelming.
"I think we did about a thousand cars," said Wesley Crespi, owner of the Coffee Cabin.
Drivers waited in long lines, some for more than an hour, to buy coffee and contribute to the Brite family. And Crespi showed us buckets of change donated by Park Meadows Mall.
"If you all wondered what happens to that money that you throw into the fountain and wish for something, there it is. They filled up six buckets!" Crespi said.
And the money keeps coming. A woman drove up Monday, bought a cup of coffee and contributed all of the change from a $20 bill.
"Thank you and God bless you," said Crespi.
On Sunday, hundreds prayed outside the room at Parker Adventist Hospital where Brite remains in critical condition.
Any blood donors wishing to make a donation in Brite's honor can do so indefinitely. Just make an appointment at one of Bonfils seven donor centers. When you arrive, mention group code #7311 or the Det. Dan Brite Replenishment Drive at the registration desk.
Appointments can be made by calling 303.363.2300 or online at Bonfils.org.
Kathy Walsh is CBS4's Weekend Anchor and Health Specialist. She has been with CBS4 for more than 30 years. She is always open to story ideas. Follow Kathy on Twitter @WalshCBS4.
