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Two Boston police officers received blood transfusions last week after a shootout in East Boston that took place last week. The Boston Police Patrolman’s Association hosted a blood drive at Freeport Street in Dorchester in honor of the officers. According to CBS Boston, the Red Cross received 240 pints of blood from the blood drive.
Officer Richard Cintolo and Officer Matthew Morris were the two officers in the East Boston shooting. Officer Cintolo was released from the hospital Wednesday, while officer Morris still remains in the ICU with severe wounds. Both are expected to make a full recovery.
“We’re very lucky that Ritchie Cintolo is going home with his wife Sharon and that he’s starting his next phase of recuperation at home,” Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association President Patrick Rose told FOX25. “We’re still praying that Matty gets out soon. Matty’s got a long road to recovery as does Ritchie, but Matty has a long road to recovery.”
Around 300 officers came out to give blood for this blood drive, claiming this drive was more personal than the previous. Officer Michael Aziz also donated, saying it hit him in the core.
“It hits you right in the core. It could be anybody. We go out everyday and don’t know what we’re going to be faced with,” Aziz told CBS Boston.
Red Cross officials say it takes about an hour to donate a pint of blood. One pint that a person donates can save up to three lives.
“We cannot wait for tragedies like this to make sure there is access to blood for all patients no matter their condition,” says Alyson Barraza with Red Cross.
Caitlin Morris, officer Morris’ wife, donated blood in her husband’s name. President Patrick Rose hopes the association’s drive will bring awareness that blood saves lives.