By Jayce Eustice, Communications Manger for the American Red Cross of Illinois

On January 26th, 2022, St. Louis Police Officer Colin Ledbetter’s life was forever changed when he was injured in the line of duty. Colin’s injury caused extensive damage and led to massive blood loss, leading to the stoppage of his heart.

Colin was quickly transported to a local hospital by EMS where a large team of medical staff were able to use nearly 40 units of blood products in order to restart his heart and help save his life. 

“They estimated that it was somewhere between 13 to 15 minutes that he was without a pulse,” Steve Ledbetter, Colin’s father said. “He required a total of 39 units of blood between what they had to put back into him and what they needed to try and get his heart pumping again.” 

In the days following the injury, Colin went through several surgeries in order to repair the damage that he sustained from the wounds and from the trauma his body endured after going around 15 minutes without a heartbeat. 

Colin was able to survive his injuries from that day, due to the fast action and expertise of the EMS and trained medical staff around him; but also due to the availability and the use of donated blood. 

Over the years following the incident, Colin has been able to largely recover from his injuries but still battles some with some left leg and memory issues. 

“We weren’t sure exactly what was going to happen, he was unconscious for quite a while, and when he did recover, we were just waiting to see what would happen next,” Steve said. “It’s an example of what can happen when blood is available.” 

Colin’s road to recovery has been truly remarkable as he has since returned home to Vandalia, gotten married and began working on a weekly podcast designed to help support first responders. 

Through this podcast, Colin and his co-hosts look to inspire others going through similar situations by sharing their personal experiences, stories and how blood donations help save lives. 

The need for blood donations wasn’t something that was new to Colin as he had previously been involved in St. Louis Police sponsored drives, but when Colin and his family were approached by their hometown Rotary Club with a chance to do a drive in his honor, they knew it was something they wanted to help support. 

The first Red Cross Blood Drive sponsored by the Ledbetter Family and the Vandalia Rotary Club in honor of Colin Ledbetter and the First Responders Injured in the Line of Duty was held in 2022. 

“Really it started as a way to give everyone who supported us a chance to give back,” Steve said. 

After the inaugural drive, the group decided to change the timing of the drive to January to coincide with National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Over the course of three drives, the group has now collected 316 units of blood in honor of Colin and the other First Responders who have been injured in the line of duty. 

Colin and his family have continued to support the drive while being an advocate for blood donation and a story for how donors can truly help those in need. 

Inspired by the blood donors that helped him with his own recovery, Colin himself has also been motivated to donate in hopes of one day giving back the 39 units of blood that helped save his life. 

“It’s Colin’s and our family’s intent to keep this going drive going for as long as we’re allowed to,” Steve said. 

The Ledbetter Family and the Vandalia Rotary Club are excited to host their 4th drive in honor of Colin Ledbetter and First Responders Injured in the Line of Duty from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 7 at the Vandalia Moose Lodge, 328 South 3rd St in Vandalia, IL. 

Visit https://rdcrss.org/41RiCsJ , call 1-800-RED-CROSS or download the Red Cross Blood Donor App today to make your appointment!