Lucky to Be Alive, Former Police Officer Heads Up Blood Drive on Sept. 8
Houchin Community Blood Bank will hold a blood drive on Wednesday, Sept. 8 and
feature Larry Frederick, a retired Oakland police officer and Vietnam veteran who
received 110 pints of donated blood after being hit by a drunk driver going 65 mph
while on duty over two decades ago.
Frederick is currently making his 4th cross country bike ride called “Life Across
America.” He will ride 3,850 miles in 52 days to promote the need for blood donations,
share his story and to thank blood donors.
Bike riders wishing to join Frederick on the Bakersfield leg of his journey should meet
at The Park at Riverwalk at 9 a.m. The ride will kick off with welcoming remarks from
Mayor Harvey Hall and feature a police escort along the bike path. The ride will end
at Houchin Community Blood Bank on Truxtun where the riders will be greeted by
Bakersfield Police Chief Greg Williamson and other well wishers. Frederick will also
be on hand during the blood drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to speak with and thank
donors.
There will be free sandwiches. Donors who participate during the drive will be entered
into a drawing for a chance to win a Trek Cruiser Bicycle donated by Action Sports.
Donors will also receive a 15% discount coupon to Action Sports (some restrictions
apply).
What: “Life Across America” Blood Drive
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 8
Timeline:
9 a.m. – Larry Frederick bike path ride starting at the Park at Riverwalk
escorted by BPD; welcoming remarks by Mayor Harvey Hall
9:30 a.m. – Greeting of Larry Frederick by Bakersfield Police Chief Greg Williamson and other well wishers at Houchin on Truxtun Avenue
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Blood Drive
Location: Houchin Community Blood Bank, 5901 Truxtun Avenue
For More Info Contact: Tracy Hunter, 323-4222
