SAN DIEGO (FOX5/KUSI)–The San Diego Police Department marked a somber anniversary Tuesday, honoring fallen Officer Austin Machitar with a blood drive at police headquarters.
Machitar, 30, was killed in the line of duty one year ago during a pursuit in Clairemont that also critically injured his partner, Officer Zachary Martinez.
Chief Scott Wahl said the blood drive was a way to celebrate Machitar’s life by giving the “gift of life” to others.
“It was a tragic loss losing Austin. This department will never be the same without him,” Wahl said. “But to remember him this way and pay it forward by donating blood, giving life to others, is really the best way for us to celebrate.”
Sgt. Andre Thomas, who worked closely with Machitar, remembered him as a bright, energetic officer who was admired by colleagues.
“He would walk into the room and light it up with that smile, that energy,” Thomas said. “He was the model police officer we like to hire at San Diego PD.”
Detective Ashley Arvelo, who never met Machitar, also donated blood. She said his death continues to resonate deeply throughout the department.
“With the bond officers and people who work here have, it’s jarring,” Arvelo said. “Anything you can do to support and keep his memory alive is important.”
The American Red Cross said the donations come at a critical time, as blood supplies typically drop during the summer.
“People are on vacation, so donations decrease, but patients in critical need of blood remain,” said Kimberly Orta of the San Diego Red Cross.
Most of the donations will go directly to local hospitals to help trauma victims, cancer patients, newborns and mothers who have just given birth, Orta said.
Each pint of blood collected has the potential to help up to three patients.
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