Cal U sponsors blood drive for injured officer
?CALIFORNIA — A blood drive to benefit Clairton Police Officer James Kuzak Jr. is being held Thursday at the California Fire Department, co-sponsored by the department and the California University of Pennsylvania Vulcan football team.
Kuzak was shot April 4 while responding to a home invasion call in Clairton. He was shot three times by the fleeing suspects, with one bullet still lodged in his body. Kuzak has already undergone surgery and more operations are expected in the future. During the initial incident and surgery, Kuzak lost half of the blood in his body and future transfusions are anticipated.
The blood drive is being held by Central Blood Bank to help replenish the local blood supply for area surgeries and transfusions.
Laura Jeannerette, the assistant director of student affairs at Cal U, is helping to coordinate the blood drive. She said she was surprised to realize she had met Kuzak more than a decade ago when she heard the initial news reports of the shooting.
“I know this officer. He was a guest at my husband and my wedding reception. He went along with some friends who were invited,” Jeannerette said.
Jeannerette is scheduling donors for the blood drive, taking calls at 724-938-4439. Donors can also register online at www.centralbloodbank.org and entering the sponsor code ZRTN0807.
“I’m hoping the turnout is fabulous,” Jeannerette said. “We’re hoping to get the traffic that’s accessible to Toll 43, Route 51 and I-70.”
Pre-registration is requested, so adequate supplies are on hand, but walk-ins are also welcome. The blood drive will be held at the California fire hall at 1001 Wood St., California.