Honoring 9/11 by giving the gift of life

The Sherwood Gazette, Sep 11, 2009, Updated Oct 30, 2009

Ray Pitz / Sherwood Gazette

Jim Wilkson, left,a phlebotomist with the American Red Cross, draws blood from the arm of Sherwood Police Officer Adam Keesee on Friday.

Residents and city employees visited the Sherwood Police Department during a Sept. 11 memorial blood drive. Their goal was the theme of the event, “Give the gift of life to honor those who gave theirs on 9/11/01.” When it was all over, 38 donors participated in what’s expected to be an annual event.

One of those gave blood was Sherwood Police Officer Adam Keesee, who has worked for the Sherwood department since 1999. He previously lived in Hicksville, N.Y., a city about 20 minutes from New York City. The Sept. 11 event was rganized by Wally Johnston, a chaplain for the Sherwood Police Department.

“I had a number of people tell me they appreciated the opportunity to give...for the first time,” said Johnston. “They have never known what to do on 9/11. The blood drive was a good option to give blood to save lives and also remember those who gave theirs on 9/11.”

On Sept. 14, Johnston travled back to New York City to visit New York City Police Officer Arnold Chow, who he befriended during a trip to Ground Zero shortly after the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001. Johnston was part of a group of chaplains who ministered to members of the New York City Police Department and New York Port Authority Police eight years ago.

Facebook	Digg	Del.icio.us
Newsvine	Stumbleupon	Reddit