On July 10, 2001, Sgt. Dan R. Starnes of the Morgan County, Indiana Sheriff’s Department, lost his life as a result of gunshot wounds sustained during a line of duty gun battle with a burglary suspect four weeks earlier. To keep his memory alive his surviving spouse, Janice organized the Sgt. Dan R. Starnes Memorial Blood Drive in Morgan County later that year, and has organized a blood drive each year since in Dan’s memory. In 2007, she decided to take the blood drive statewide and renamed it the Indiana Fallen Officers Blood Drive.

“I ask that everyone please understand the importance of this worthwhile cause and help promote Indiana's statewide blood drive,” said Janice Starnes.  “In honoring our fallen officers the surviving family members are comforted knowing the sacrifice their officer made will never be forgotten.”

On Sunday May 6, 2012 from noon to 5:00 p.m. EDT the American Red Cross will be at the Jasper Post located at 2209 Newton Street, Jasper collecting blood.  Please stop in and donate the gift of life, as you never know when you or a loved one may need it.