by Krystal Smith, staff contributor, American Red Cross North Texas Region

Even as a young boy Chris Dickerson was known for always helping people. It came as no surprise to his mother that even before his senior year of High School he joined the Texas Army National Guard. After basic training, Dickerson returned home where he helped the Carthage High School Varsity Football team win their 1st State Championship in 2008.

As an adult, Dickerson enjoyed being heavily involved in his community. He was a Carthage volunteer firefighter, an American Red Cross volunteer and blood donor. The father of two girls, Dickerson, also coached his daughter’s softball team and was a board member for the Panola County Girls Softball Association.

On December 31, 2019, Deputy Sheriff Chris Dickerson, 28, was tragically killed in the line of duty while making a traffic stop in Gary, TX. He was a son, brother, husband, father, grandson, uncle and friend and lost his life at only 28 years-old.

To honor his memory and in recognition of Law Enforcement Appreciation Day on January 9, his mother, Rebecca Dickerson, is partnering with the Red Cross to host a blood drive. Dickerson’s brothers and sisters in all areas of Law Enforcement, First Responders and community member to encouraged to schedule an appointment to donate.

“Chris was a blood donor so he could help save lives,” said Rebecca Dickerson. “Let’s show our appreciation to all our Law Enforcement, our Fallen Heroes across the Nation, but especially our very own Hometown Hero and donate in his memory.”

To honor his memory and in recognition of Law Enforcement Appreciation Day on January 9, his mother, Rebecca Dickerson, is partnering with the Red Cross to host a blood drive. Dickerson’s brothers and sisters in all areas of Law Enforcement, First

Responders and community member to encouraged to schedule an appointment to donate.“Chris was a blood donor so he could help save lives,” said Rebecca Dickerson. “Let’s show our appreciation to all our Law Enforcement, our Fallen Heroes across the Nation, but especially our very own Hometown Hero and donate in his memory.”

In Memory of Deputy Sheriff Chris Dickerson Blood Drive

Located at the Tex Ridder Museum, 310 W. Panola St.,
Carthage, TX 75633

on January 7, 2022 from 12 P.M. – 6 P.M.

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. The Red Cross currently faces historically low blood supply levels not seen in more than a decade. Eligible donors of all blood types are urged to schedule an appointment to donate. By giving blood, donors can give patients a chance to keep living and spend more time with loved ones.

To make an appointment, download the free Red
Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) orenable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

Blood drive safety 

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including temperature checks, social distancing and face masks for donors and staff – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance.

Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.

How to donate blood

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.