In a show of support for wounded Philadelphia Police Officer Edward Davies, dozens of police – mostly from Davies' 25th District – rolled up their sleeves during a blood drive Thursday afternoon in the Hunting Park section.
LawOfficer: Blood Drive and Social Network Support for Critically Wounded Philadelphia Officer
Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey praised the off-duty officers who lined up to help a wounded colleague.
"This is a tremendous turnout," the commissioner said as patrolmen and supervisors alike streamed into the administrative services building at Temple University to wait their turn. Ramsey had given blood earlier and was wearing a bandage on his arm.
Davies was shot Tuesday afternoon when he and other officers confronted a suspect who had fled from police at a car stop and ran into a corner store at Fourth and Annsbury Streets. After a struggle with officers, Eric Torres shot Davies in the abdomen, police said.
The blood donated Thursday was to be used to aid the officer, who has undergone three surgeries and faces more, Ramsey said. But it will also be available to other patients.
Among those at the blood drive, was Davies' partner, Officer Thomas Hayes.
Hayes told reporters that he and Davies, who graduated from the Police Academy together in 2008, remain good friends and often spend time together.
He described Davies as a "typical family man," adding, "I've been to his house numerous times for family outings and barbecues, and swimming with the kids in the pool."
Hayes said he was pulling for Davies to get well. "I just want to say prayers to make sure he comes to a full recovery," he said.
Sgt. James Wagner, Davies' supervisor at the 25th District, said Davies was an inspiration to other officers. "He had a famous saying . . . he would say, 'Sarge, I'm just making miracles happen,' " Wagner said. "I just hope that he can give us one more miracle and pull through this. That would make us happy."
The blood drives, being coordinated by Temple University Hospital and the Fraternal Order of Police with assistance from the American Red Cross, will continue Friday.
They are also being held at the American Red Cross Philadelphia Donor Center, 700 Spring Garden St., from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. for donations from civilians and police, and at the American Red Cross Northeast Donor Center, 1401 Rhawn St., from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Contact Vernon Clark at 215-854-5717 or [email protected].