Fireman Struck By Gunfire Honored With Blood Drive In Watsonville

WATSONVILLE, CA — A Watsonville Fire Department captain who was struck by a bullet and required 24 units of blood during recovery will be honored Friday with a blood drive in his name from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Pajaro Valley Health Trust Hall (85 Neilson St.), the American Red Cross said.

Lucas was critically injured in November during a hunting accident in Montana, the Red Cross said. The bullet ripped through an artery in his left leg, shattered his femur above his kneecap, causing an injury that would force him to remain hospitalized for 41 days as he recovered. His family took him to the nearest hospital two hours away after applying a tourniquet, the Red Cross said.

Lucas was put in a medically induced coma for four days. He required 24 units of blood, four units of iron, red blood cell injections, painkillers, dialysis and IVs during his hospital stay.

Lucas, who told the Red Cross that he's had to notify many next-of-kin about seriously injured family members, said he worried that his sons would have to break the news to wife Cindi Lucas. Mrs. Lucas flew out to his bedside.

He survived, but the lower half of his left leg was ultimately amputated due to blood loss and nerve damage, the Red Cross said.

Lucas plans to attend the Friday blood drive.

"I was taught a long time ago that life is less about you and more about what you can do to help others," Lucas told the Red Cross. "People really came to my aid in my time of need, so I want to get back to giving back now that I'm home again."

Anyone interested in donating Friday is asked to make an appointment by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767), visiting its website or downloading its blood donor app.

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