Stepping up for life

As Sandy Ryan lay on the table Wednesday morning, with her arm being prepared for its first blood donation, she remembered a young donor she worried would die.

With that fear still lurking in her mind, the Costa Mesa resident looked out the window from the Newport Beach Police Department.

“At least I have a view,” she said.

As she may have envisioned her last moments, Ryan made a donation that will likely keep up to three other people from experiencing theirs.

Ryan was one of dozens who donated blood to the Red Cross in Newport Beach Wednesday as part of the organization’s fourth annual “Battle of the Badges.”

The annual event looks to gather up to 5,000 units of blood from Southern California public safety agencies.

This year’s was the first in which Newport Beach agencies participated.

Ryan, like so many others who’ve donated, thought of the people in Haiti, or victims from other natural disasters.

“If I was ever in need of blood, I hope someone would step up,” she said.

Newport Beach police, for their part, certainly stepped up.

By the time the donation center opened, they had 35 confirmed appointments but expected up to 65 police men and women to donate.

“It’s the right thing to do,” said Amanda Diaz, a community services officer.

“If I was ever in some kind of accident, I would want enough blood for me,” said Caroline Staub, a crime scene investigator.

Even though the donation created a bit of a scare for her, with her skin turning white and Staub becoming light-headed, she said she was glad she did it.

“This group of cops is always willing to give and help out,” said Kathy Lowe, part of the department’s community relations team.

Of course, when lots of public safety agencies in the region are donating blood for a good cause, why not add a little friendly competition?

Investigator Andy Halpin said that gave him some extra motivation, and as the man assigned with spearheading the drive, he said he was pleasantly surprised by the turnout.

Red Cross officials said some huge agencies, like the FBI, Drug Enforcement Agency and Los Angeles and Orange County sheriff’s departments are participating.

Because of that, smaller organizations will get also recognized depending on what percentage of its officers participate.