Sgt. Brian Carter Blood Drive A Success

The blood drive organized by the Martinez Police Department and the Martinez Police Officers' Association in honor of Sgt. Brian Carter, who died of non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma last month, was a rousing success, according to Police Chief Gary Peterson.

Friday's event at City Hall collected 75 units of blood, he said. A representative from Blood Center of the Pacific said that 30 units would be considered a success.

Carter's widow Tiana was on hand throughout the day offering assistance to the donors, Peterson said.

"Sgt. Carter received numerous platelet transfusions to assist him throughout his stem cell transplant, and more recently countless blood and platelet transfusions in order to prolong his life," Peterson said.

The event, which began at 8 a.m. and ended at 6:30 p.m., was so popular that 60 people had to be turned away for lack of capacity, said Sgt. Bryan Dodd. He added that 23 others were turned away for health reasons.

"Overall, we feel the event accomplished the goals of increased the number of units available to those in need and creating awareness for the need for everyone who is able to be a donor," Dodd said.

Peterson added that a larger site will be considered for next year's blood drive.