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FRANKLINTON, La. (WGNO) — The Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office is teaming up with The Blood Center to help a deputy who was injured on the job.
On the evening of May 23, Sergeant John O’Hern with the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office risked his life while protecting the lives of others.
“He was responding to a call of an impaired driver, and on the way to potentially get this impaired driver off the road, he was hit head on by that driver,” said Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Candice Sledge.
As a result of the crash, O’Hern was rushed to a hospital to receive treatment for a shattered pelvis and dislocated femur.
Now, the sheriff’s office is partnering with The Blood Center to host a blood drive Monday at their location in Franklinton.
The Blood Center will match each donation with a payment to help O’Hern with medical costs not covered by insurance.
“For everyone that comes in and donates in Sergeant O’Hern’s name, he will get a credit. And then also, we have the hurricane season coming up June 1, and there’s always a high need for blood,” said Sledge. “So, this is a way for him to give back and for people to come and support him and also to give blood for those in need.”
If you can’t attend on Monday, you still have another opportunity.
“On Tuesday, the blood mobile will be here in Franklinton at Riverside, at the hospital, if they wish to come there and also any blood center in Louisiana or Mississippi,” Sledge explained.
Community support is also helping O’Hern get back up on his feet.
“[He’s been] working hard on his physical therapy, and everyone is really happy with the results,” Sledge said. “So, they’re very thankful for the support and the prayers that are coming along. [His wife] says, keep them coming, and they’re very happy with his progress.”
Appointments to make a blood donation are recommended.
As for the crash, Louisiana State Police arrested 42-year-old Corey Pellerin, of Madisonville, on charges of driving while intoxicated, driving left of center and first-degree vehicular negligent injuring.
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