KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Officers throughout Kosciusko County will be giving a little extra this month, namely in “blood.”

Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Deputies, along with officers throughout the county, will donate their blood to the American Red Cross on June 14 in honor of the memory officers who gave all.

Officers, along with citizens, are encouraged to participate by coming to the Warsaw Center Lake Pavilion, 117 Canal Street, Warsaw, between the hours of noon-6 p.m. to give blood.

The local blood drive is being sponsored by Kosciusko County Law Enforcement and Knights of Columbus Council 45111

The American Red Cross also suggest individuals can call (800) RED CROSS or go to redcrossblood.org, sponsor code “clpav” to schedule a blood donation appointment.

The Indiana Fallen Officer Blood Drive was first held in August 2011 to keep the legacy of Morgan County Sheriff Department Sgt. Dan R. Starnes alive. His widow started a blood drive in Morgan County in his honor. The first drive was held in August 2001 and every year thereafter until she requested the blood drive be taken statewide in 207.

Starnes lost his life in the line of duty by gunfire on July 10, 2001. His son Ryan was riding with his dad and was also shot. While Ryan survived, Starnes did not. The shooting took place on June 14, 2001, Flag Day. He survived for 27 days but died July 10, 2001 from the five bullets that riddled his body.