Blood drive held in memory of RPD Officer Manuel Ortiz

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Community members gathered on Saturday to hold a special blood drive in memory of Rochester Police Officer Manuel Ortiz. Ortiz tragically lost his life in an accident on the way to work in 2019. Throughout his career he was an active Red Cross volunteer who often donated his time to support local blood drives.           

“He used to give up his life in the community, going where no one else would go to save lives. We are all about saving lives today, for everyone who comes down and donates one pint of blood, it saves three lives,” said Rose Mary Villarrubia-Izzo, American Red Cross Board Member.

The Red Cross also accepted donations to be sent to Hurricane Fiona relief in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.