Residents Donate Blood in Honor of Glen Ciano

Members of the community came out to donate blood Saturday at the annual at the Commack Fire Department headquarters.

Though the fire department has hosted blood drives in the past, this marked the second year the drive was held in memory of Suffolk County Police Officer Glen Ciano, who was in Commack in 2009.

Organizers say holding the event in Ciano's honor has only helped to boost donations.

"The first few years we did it, we would have about 50 people come out," said organizer and Commack Volunteer Firefighter Robert Weisberg. "After Glen died, I thought we could have the blood drive in his honor. The turnout has been great ever since."

Ciano was a friend to many of Commack's volunteers, as his patrol car was based out of the fire department's headquarters.

“So many are willing to donate in his name because he helped so many people," Sue, Ciano's wife of 24 years, told Patch at . "His friendliness allowed him to become well known and respected.”

The Fire Department met their goal, collecting 100 units of blood during the six-hour drive. "Our target was approximately 90 to 100 [units] so we are extremely pleased with the support we received from our community," Weisberg said.

The donated blood will be used in hospitals throughout Long Island.