It is a colorful phrase that carries deep and important meaning: Give Red to Honor the Blue.
Tuesday, May 9, at the Overland Park Convention Center, from 11:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., the American Red Cross is teaming up with the Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police to honor the memories of three fallen officers.
Brandon Collins, Brad Lancaster and Robert Melton.
If you’ve been thinking of giving blood, this would be a great day to do it.
According to Danny Thayer, President of Kansas Assn. of Chiefs of Police, those in law enforcement are indeed a family.
On days like this they come together with the communities they serve.
While the public can donate in the bloodmobile, members of law enforcement can give blood inside the convention center and then walk through the trade show.
April VanBecelaere of the American Red Cross is hoping for a big turnout during the course of the day and says first-timers should not be apprehensive.
Come hydrated and be prepared to “lay and stay” for a while.
Marysville Chief of Police, Todd Ackerman went to the academy with Brandon Collins.
They hung around together through their training, then went their separate ways.
Years later, Chief Ackerman saw Deputy Collins’ picture on the news, having given his life in the line of duty.
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