Commack Blood Drive In Fallen Suffolk Officer's Honor: Info

COMMACK, NY — The 12th annual blood drive in memory of fallen Suffolk police officer Glen Ciano is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday in Commack, the Suffolk County Police Department announced.

The drive is set to be at Commack Fire Department, at 6309 Jericho Turnpike, Commack. The annual event is held in honor of Ciano, who was responding to a call when he was killed by a drunken driver in Commack on Feb. 22, 2009.

The blood drive is about saving lives, which is what Ciano stood for, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said Thursday.

"By all accounts, everyone that you talk to, [Ciano] was not only an exceptional officer, but an exceptional human being," Bellone said. "His caring, his dedication, his professionalism really exemplified the best of this department."

Susan Ciano, widow of Glen, thanked the Commack Fire Department for hosting the blood drive, the New York Blood Center for helping out annually, as well as Bellone and Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney K. Harrison for the support they've shown.

Susan Ciano recalled the Commack Fire Department calling her 12 years ago to ask her if the department could honor her husband's memory with its annual blood drive.

"Glen's legacy is here to stay," Susan Ciano said. "Having this blood drive will continue that legacy. I'm very proud for one Saturday in February that I can come and stand with friends, relatives, strangers, policemen, firemen and help collect money for the New York Blood Bank."

There has been a chronic shortage of blood supplies in New York since the start of the coronavirus pandemic and the recent blizzard resulted in 1,000 fewer donations due to blood drive cancellations and low donor turnout, according to Suffolk police. Blood supplies remain below the ideal five-day safety level, and types O-, O+ B- and A- continue to hover at less than two-day levels.

"Having the blood able to go to the blood center and the people in hospitals and the people in need is something Glen is looking down and smiling at," Susan Ciano said. "Thank you."