Blood drive to benefit injured Heights officer Posted On: Friday, Nov. 13 2009 05:15 AM By Victor O'Brien
Killeen Daily Herald

More often than not, people call the police for help and not the other way around. The roles will change today.

A blood drive gives residents a chance to extend an arm for rookie Harker Heights police Officer Jeremy Hempel, 26, who is recovering from major injuries.

Hempel is in "good condition" at Scott & White Hospital in Temple, hospital spokesman Scott Clark said Thursday.

The blood drive aims to replenish the supply used to treat Hempel after he was injured in an off-duty accident on Nov. 3.

The blood drive will be from 9 a.m. to noon at the Harker Heights City Hall, located at 305 Miller's Crossing.

"He's doing a lot better, but he still has a long recovery and healing to do, " Police Chief Mike Gentry said. The department is optimistic Hempel will have a full recovery after Gentry spoke with him earlier this week.

Hempel was injured in an accident involving a deer and another car on his way home to Nolanville from the Harker Heights police station on Nov. 3.

Hempel's Geo Metro collided with a deer in the eastbound lanes of U.S. Highway 190.

When the Geo struck the deer, Hempel lost control and swerved into oncoming traffic. His vehicle smashed into a blue Mazda 3 headed west.

The driver of the Mazda was treated and released the same night.

Contact Victor O'Brien at vobrien@kdhnews.com or (254) 501-7468.