Honor A Hero By Giving Blood At Glen Ciano Blood Drive In Commack

*Glen Ciano Blood Drive was a tremendous success with 20 more pints of blood donated than 2018***

Today is one of those days that you get to do something good. That’s the message from Suffolk County Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart and Commack Fire Department Chief Patrick Fazio. Today, Saturday, February 9 between the hours of 10am and 2pm hundreds of people will donate life saving blood and honor the legacy of deceased police officer Glen Ciano.L-R SCPD Chief Of Department Stuart Cameron, Susan Ciano, Suffolk County Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart, Deputy Police Commissioner James Skopek

Suffolk County Police Department and the Commack Fire Department are hosting their 9th annual Glen Ciano Blood Drive to honor the memory of Glen Ciano a fallen Suffolk County police officer and a long history of working with the Commack Fire Department. Glen Ciano died on February 22, 2009, a victim of a drunk driver in Commack. Nine years ago the fire department named its blood drive the Glen Ciano Blood drive to honor the memory of the man who did so much to protect others.

Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart said, “Glen lived his life protecting others as both police officer and a volunteer fire fighter. He exemplified the meaning of being a true hero.”

By all accounts Glen Ciano was someone who did everything possible to help someone who needed help. According to his wife Susan, “You could call him at any time and he was there. Things were dropped and he went.” One might think that this is a sad event for the Ciano family but as hard as it might be Susan said she looks forward to it. ” This is the fire house that Glen went out of, he had a locker here so it holds a special place in my heart. I Come every year since they named it for him 9 years ago.  Once people find out what it’s for it makes it more meaningful for them to give blood that day. It means a lot to me that  different people come out who want to honor him.”  

Since 2011, 1084 donations have been accepted and saved the lives of more than 3000 people. In 2018, 224 donations were made and everyone is hoping to match and surpass that number. Yadira Navarro, NY Blood Center manager, wants people to know that there is only a three - four day supply of blood and for O- and B- there is only a 1-2 day supply. To donate blood you must be at least 16 years of age, weigh at least 110 lbs. and have identification. Navarro advises people to eat well and hydrate before donating.

Commissioner Pat Fazzio wants this to be a great blood drive, “it is vitally important to get a great turnout.  There is no better way to honor Glen then coming out and supporting this blood drive. “

The Glen Ciano Blood Drive will be held at the Commack Fire Department between (10am and 2pm) located at 6309 Jericho Turnpike Commack, NY between 8 am-2pm (631) 499-6690 (non-emergency) Walk Ins are welcome.