Firefighters
Ron, Ben, Gary, Phil & Chris

Donors

Every eight to 10 weeks, five firefighters get together for lunch. They eat good food, talk about professional matters and kid each other. Then they leave the restaurant and meet again at the Overland Park, Kansas, Community Blood Center where they each donate a unit of blood.

This routine has been followed for about 10 years, since Chief Ron decided to get the group together. Chief Ron, who retired in 2007, had been donating blood for years, ever since one of his fire chief’s grandsons needed a transfusion following surgery.

The makeup of the group has changed over the years. Chief Ron laughs when he tells of Battalion Chief Ken, who was afraid of needles but went with his friends every time anyway, despite his fear. Chief Ken died a few years ago, but his friends and the Community Blood Center staff remember him fondly.

Chief Ben adds that enjoying each other’s company is only part of the fun. The staff at the Blood Center has gotten to know the five chiefs, and the banter that goes on as the firefighters donate entertains everyone, including other donors lucky enough to be there at the time.

“We do have fun donating,” says Division Chief Gary, who has been giving for many years and whose father once donated through a Hallmark Cards program. “We get to talking to people who are giving blood, too. It makes it a pleasant experience for other donors.”

For Battalion Chief Phil, who has been with the group for about eight years, giving blood is “no big deal.” In fact, he says, “It’s pretty easy, and it’s something to do to give back.”

Chief Chris agrees wholeheartedly. “There’s a need,” he says. “It can be life-saving, and it’s a simple process. It takes only a few minutes out of your day. Why wouldn’t you do it?”

One other thing all the chiefs agree on: They’ll keep on giving – as a group or as individuals – as long as they’re able.

Please share your experience as a blood donor or transfusion recipient.