N.Y. Cops Show Up In Droves To Donate Blood

(CBS) WOODLAWN The rich, ruby-red blood flowed freely Sunday at St. Barnabas Church in the Bronx. But it might as well have been blue, with all the police officers who showed up to donate in the name of their fellow brother, officer Eric Hernandez. Blood transfusions at St. Barnabas Hospital saved his life Saturday.Philip Bowles' donation is intensely personal. He was in the same police academy company as Hernandez, and they now work together in the 52nd Precinct."(He's a) good guy, very good guy," Bowles said. "In great shape and it's because of that he's still alive, fighting for his life."Ninety percent of the estimated 175 donors were officers, tripling the usual turnout for this blood drive. "Policemen have come from all over, some from Westchester, some from Rockland, some from Queens, and mostly from the Bronx," said Cleo Oliver of Hudson Valley Blood Services.Many don't even know Hernandez."As everybody knows, especially in New York, constantly needs blood," officer James Finnegan said. "Unfortunately, when a tragedy like what happens to officer Hernandez comes to pass, reminds everybody to donate immediately."None of this blood will actually go to officer Hernandez. It will, however, be used to replenish the very large amount of blood used to save his life.The blood will be tested and then it will help save more lives.