The group Concerns of Police Survivors said it's a club that no one wants to join. People who've been touched by losing officers in the line of duty come together to support law enforcement, serve the community and engage in retreats of healing.
Wednesday, dozens of donors gave blood at drives across South Texas in honor of Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.
Barbara Heckman-Sauer, a former officer, wife of an officer and chaplain who knows that feeling of loss, is President of the COPS South Texas Chapter. She said blood drives are a way to come to the aid of officers who are injured and need blood, or community members police have saved.
"The blood that they need is critical to trying to save their lives. So that’s why we decided doing a blood drive on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day was the best way that we could show appreciation- by making sure our blood banks have the blood when they need the blood," Heckman-Sauer said.
There will also be a blood drive in San Angelo on January 11. If you missed these drives, Heckman-Sauer said you can help by donating any day of the year.