Donors serve and protect police at Fallen Officers Blood Drive

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- They serve and protect us every day, and now the public has a special way to say 'thank you' to police officers.

On Wednesday, the South Bend Police Department hosted its annual Fallen Officers Blood Drive.

The drive honors those who died in the line of duty, and helps those who survive injuries.

One retired officer told us he wouldn't be alive without drives like this one.

"I ended up going through 36 units of blood in just one operation. That's why I'm such a big pusher for this and I think it's awesome that people can come out and actually show support to their police department," said Ray Wolfenbarger of the South Bend Police Department.

If you missed the drive, you can donate on Thursday at the Mishawaka Police Department (200 N. Church St.) from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

There will also be a fallen officers blood drive in Kosciusko County on July 10 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Center Lake Pavilion (117 Canal).