17 Years Later, Blood, Food Drive In Commack Honors Fallen Suffolk Officer Glen Ciano

COMMACK, NY — A tradition rooted in remembrance and community service will return to the Commack Fire Department this weekend as Suffolk County officials, first responders and residents gather for the 16th annual Glen Ciano Blood Drive — an event that, for the first time, will also include a food drive benefiting Long Island Cares.

The drive, held in memory of Suffolk County Police Officer Glen L. Ciano, is scheduled for Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Commack Fire Department headquarters on Jericho Turnpike. Organizers say the dual effort comes at a critical moment, as the New York Blood Center has declared a regional blood emergency while food banks across Long Island continue to report increased demand.

Ciano, who was 45 at the time of his death, served 22 years with the Suffolk County Police Department’s 2nd Precinct in Huntington and regularly picked up his patrol car at the Commack Fire Department. On Feb. 22, 2009, he was assisting another officer at a traffic stop at the intersection of Vanderbilt Motor Parkway and Commack Road in Commack when his patrol vehicle was struck by a Dodge Magnum and crashed into a nearby telephone pole. Commack firefighters were among the first responders at the scene.

“We never forget the ultimate sacrifice,” Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina said during a press conference announcing the event. “This blood drive is a meaningful tribute to a man who spent his career saving lives.”

Seventeen years later, the annual blood drive bearing Ciano’s name has grown into one of the largest single-day donation efforts hosted by a local fire department.

Commack Fire District Chairman Pat Fazio said the drive began modestly but quickly expanded as word spread throughout the community.

“Before making this a blood drive in Glen’s memory, we’d get maybe 30 units,” Fazio said. “The first year we did it in his memory, it was over 100. Then over 200. Then over 300. We’ve stayed around 300 for years. This is another way to say Glen is still helping the community.”

Fazio, who knew Ciano personally, described him as a regular presence at the firehouse even when his shift had ended.

“He didn’t just rush out after his shift — he’d hang out and talk with the guys,” Fazio said. “He was a pretty humble guy. He’d probably be shy about it — but proud.”

The firehouse itself holds special meaning in Ciano’s memory. Fazio recalled how he would make a fresh pot of coffee at the start of overnight shifts and welcome visitors.

“If you came into the firehouse at night and Glenn was working, you knew there’d be a fresh pot of coffee and a few minutes of good conversation," Fazio said.

This year’s event carries added urgency. According to New York Blood Center representatives, donations have dropped roughly 40 percent following winter storms, seasonal illnesses, and post-holiday disruptions, leaving hospitals with less than a two-day supply of blood in some cases.

“Now more than ever, we need people to come out. If you can donate blood, please do," Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said. "And if you can’t, drop off food.”

For Susan Ciano, Glen’s widow, the event remains both emotional and uplifting. She arrives early each year and stays late, making it a point to thank donors personally.

“People are making a deliberate decision to show up,” she said. “I get here early and stay too late because I want to thank people. It’s a celebration for myself and the family.”

Ciano said the continuation of the drive — and now its expansion into a food collection — reflects her husband’s lifelong generosity.

“He was giving,” she said. “His nieces and nephews knew they could always count on him.”

She added that the legacy now extends to a new generation: her two children, Samantha and Dan, and four grandchildren who understand that their grandfather served as a police officer and died in the line of duty.

“The best thing in my life now is the four grandkids,” she said with a smile. “Glenn would have gotten those kids in trouble all the time.”

The addition of Long Island Cares marks the first time the blood drive will also collect nonperishable food items, a move organizers say was inspired by growing economic strain across the region. Donation boxes will be available throughout the day, and officials are encouraging attendees to bring canned goods, pasta, rice and soup.

Organizers hope this year’s turnout will match or exceed previous years despite forecasted cold weather. Walk-ins are welcome, and all blood types are needed, particularly O-positive and O-negative donors. Each blood donation can help up to three patients, according to the New York Blood Center.

“Please dedicate your time on Saturday,” she said. “Come down and donate blood. Bring something for the food bank. And thank you for remembering Glenn.”

The Glen Ciano Blood Drive will take place Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Commack Fire Department, 6309 Jericho Turnpike. Donors who are unable to give blood are encouraged to participate by contributing nonperishable food items.