PEABODY – The Massachusetts State Police and the American Red Cross are holding a blood drive in honor of Lt. Donald Bossi, a State Police trooper hit by a vehicle in Revere and nearly killed, on August 8.
Bossi was severely injured in a hit-and-run with a stolen motorcycle in Revere on June 23, after being sent flying 40 feet down the street. The motorcyclist, 18-year-old local Akram El Moukhtari, fled the scene.
Bossi came out with facial injuries, head lacerations, and a pelvic break, which required surgery at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
“I can’t stress enough how much the outpouring of kindness means to me and my family,” Bossi said in a statement. “I am a fighter. It may take many months, but I will be back, stronger than ever.”
During El Moukhtari’s arraignment on July 15, Prosecutor John Vernor said that Bossi was “lucky to be alive.”
The Massachusetts State Police released a statement expressing their appreciation for the public support of Bossi the day after the incident.
“Yesterday’s senseless crash could have proven fatal if not for the resilience and extraordinary strength of Lieutenant Bossi, and the care he received on scene, in transit, and at the hospital,” it said. “Our community is safer because of the many Troopers who set their feelings aside in the aftermath of this event to do their jobs.”
The blood drive will be held on August 8 from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Boston Marriott Peabody, in the Centennial Ballroom.
“Celebrate life and make a difference by giving blood. You’ll feel good knowing you’ve helped change the lives of patients in need,” the Red Cross noted, announcing the event.
Those who want to donate at this special blood drive should schedule an appointment, either by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by visiting RedCrossBlood.org and entering MAState Police.
