New York: Trooper Skinner blood drive hoped to become a tradition
For a second year, New York state troopers helped collect blood in memory of their fallen colleague, Trooper Christopher Skinner.
The memorial blood drive at the state police barracks in Kirkwood is hoped by officials to become a yearly project, and possibly held at a larger venue to accommodate more community members wishing to donate, officials said at Wednesday's event. The Red Cross, which collected the blood Wednesday, says one donor can help save up to three lives.
"The need for blood is constant, so we constantly need donors," said Theresa Blank, a Red Cross account manager. "In the season of giving, this is the best kind of gift you can give."
Hosting a blood drive, especially in Skinner's memory, is just one of the ways law enforcement can make a positive impact on the community beyond their everyday duties, said New York State Police Maj. James Barnes. Among other community projects troopers have organized: collecting for Toys for Tots, benefit runs and donating blankets to veterans in Oxford.
"In law enforcement, we're a large team, we're brothers and sisters, and when one of us dies or is killed in the line of duty, it affects all of us greatly," Barnes said Wednesday. "So these activities we do are a great way to honor Chris' commitment and that he paid the ultimate price."
Skinner, 42, of Kirkwood, was a member of the state police for 13 years. He was struck and killed May 29, 2014, during a traffic stop on Interstate 81 between exits 6 and 7 in Chenango.
He was assigned to the state police Traffic Incident Management detail, which was dedicated to the safety of construction workers and motorists in highway work zones.
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