ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- A blood drive was held Thursday in memory of Rochester Police Officer Daryl Pierson, who was killed in the line of duty in September 2014.
The Rochester Police Department, Police Locust Club and American Red Cross all teamed up for the second annual event. They challenged and encouraged law enforcement, emergency personnel and members of the community to honor Pierson's memory by taking part in the blood drive.
Organizers said the Pierson blood drive is much bigger than other RPD blood drives and holds a special meaning.
"It's important to us because it is in memory of Daryl. It's our way of not only keeping his memory alive, but, Daryl even though he is gone, he's still saving lives he's still helping the community and I think he would have wanted that," said Captain David Smith, with the Rochester Police Department.
The Red Cross says blood drives during the holidays are particularly helpful because donations are generally low.