Orange County Sheriff's Office holds blood drive to honor injured deputy

Brevard sheriff's deputy shot, critically injured during prostitution investigation

More than 50 people donated blood on Tuesday at the Orange County Sheriff's Office for a Brevard County deputy who was shot on duty.

Investigative Agent John "Casey" Smith was shot during a prostitution investigation at a home on Covina Street in Port St. John last week.

Dozens of people showed up Tuesday morning to be among the first to donate. Maria Uribe Alarcon was the first one. While she was on the bus donating, Smith's wife, Michelle, showed up to donate as well-- a different experience than she was expecting, Uribe-Alarcon says they spoke candidly while having their blood drawn together and it gave new perspective on her reason for being there.

"We just got into marriages and talking about our anniversaries," said Uribe-Alarcon. "It was emotional but it was also a good feeling to know you're helping out and giving back," she said.

Giving back to those who have shown she and her family so much support since last Thursday, is why Michelle Smith says she left husbands side at ORMC to also come out and donate.

"I just say thank you to everyone for all the prayers and all the support and everything, thank you," Smith said while fighting back tears as prepared to donate blood.

Smith spoke with Orange County Sheriff, Jerry Demings and Brevard County Sheriff, Wayne Ivey on the blood bus letting them know she and her children, ages 15, 6 and 2, appreciate everything people in Central Florida are doing for them.

Orlando Police Chief John Mina also donated.

The many other donors included people who know what it's like to need donated blood. Kimberly Doten says she went through a surgery years ago and needed 5 pints. That experience compelled her to donate for Agent Smith's cause.

"If it's not there, they're not going to survive, they're not going to make it like I did and I had a 5 percent chance of coming out of surgery so thank god it was there," said Doten.

David Duffany says he lost a friend in the line of duty in Maryland and wouldn't miss the opportunity to help another officer fighting for his life for anything.

"They go out there not knowing if they're going to come home. My heart and prayers go out to this sheriff deputy's family and if his wife is watching, you have my support and prayers as well," said Duffany.

Smith is scheduled to undergo another surgery Tuesday afternoon and is in critical condition. At the time of the incident, Smith lost a significant amount of blood before doctors could stop the bleeding. Deputies said he has been given transfusions and is in the intensive care unit.

Deputies say the blood drive will not only help Smith, but others in need across Central Florida.

The blood drive is being held at the Orange County Sheriff's Office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

You can also donate in Brevard County at "One Blood Centers" and donate blood to the account of John "Casey" Smith to help facilitate his continued care.

For those planning to donate, One Blood recommends that you eat within four hours of donating blood and drink plenty of fluids prior to and after making a donation. If you would like to donate at a location outside of Brevard County you can find additional donor centers online here.

Rockledge Donor Center, 956 S US 1, Rockledge, FL 32955, (321) 632-2052
--Monday – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
--Tuesday – 11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
--Wednesday – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
--Thursday – 11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
--Friday – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
--Saturday – Closed
--Sunday – 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Melbourne Donor Center, 789 South Babcock St., Suite 127, Melbourne, FL 32901, (321) 768-8585
--Monday – 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
--Tuesday – 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
--Wednesday – 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
--Thursday – 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
--Friday – 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
--Saturday – Closed
--Sunday – 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Titusville Donor Center, 3880 South Washington Ave., Suite 210 and 212, Titusville, FL 32780, (321) 267-6712
--Monday – 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
--Tuesday – Closed
--Wednesday – 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
--Thursday – 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
--Friday – 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
--Saturday – 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
--Sunday – Closed?


About the Author:

Erik Sandoval joined the News 6 team as a reporter in May 2013 and became an Investigator in 2020. During his time at News 6, Erik has covered several major stories, including the 2016 Presidential campaign. He was also one of the first reporters live on the air at the Pulse Nightclub shooting.

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