Blood Drive Today to Honor Wounded Officer

The  and the  are sponsoring a blood drive in honor of Police Officer Rachel Morgan today from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Paramus Volunteer Ambulance Corps Building.

To be clear, Morgan isn't in need of blood. The blood drive is in her name.

"This blood is not for Rachel," Gunderson said. "She's not hemorrhaging, she's not bleeding out or anything. This is something to do in her honor."

Gunderson said Morgan's family has given the blood drive their blessing, and the Paramus Police Department, Fire and Rescue departments will all be helping out Tuesday.

Michael Cebulski, president of the local police union, said the department was grateful for all the support from the community, and that the blood drive was a fitting way to honor Morgan.

"Rachel would have been the first one in line to give blood," he said.

Community Blood Services is collecting the donations today. Lisa Brosnan, a community account manager for the blood bank, said blood supplies are low this winter because of the weather.

The blood bank has a facility in Paramus, so for its employees, the shooting hit home.

"This is right in our home town, so for us, it does take on a special meaning for us to be able to support the people right in our community," Brosnan said.

To schedule an appointment, contact Gunderson at 201-321-8298 or via e-mail at Sandig615@aol.com. 

Morgan was struck by three bullets, two in the abdomen and one in the leg, after a high-speed chase on Sunday night that ended near the entrance to the Garden State Parkway on Rt. 17.  She has undergone three surgeries at Hackensack University Medical Center and is listed in critical but stable condition. She is expected to recover.

Her suspected shooter, Michael Sean Carmody, died last Wednesday afternoon after being taken off life support.