MIAMI – The Miami police and Miami-Dade police departments are holding blood drives Tuesday for two officers who were injured in crashes.
"Just out here showing our support, donating some blood, just in case they need it," Miami police Maj. Manuel Morales said. "Hopefully they won't, but if they do, they know that they have our support here."
The Miami Police Department's blood drive will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in front of Miami police headquarters at 400 NW Second Ave.
All Miami-Dade police blood drives Tuesday will also be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., except in front of police headquarters at 9105 NW 25th St., which will be open until 8 p.m.
The other blood drive locations are:
-MDPD South District Station at 10800 SW 211th St.
-MDPD Northwest District Station at 5975 Miami Lakes Drive East.
-MDPD Northside District Station at 799 NW 81st St.
Authorities said Miami-Dade police Maj. Ricky Carter had his leg amputated after he crashed his personal motorcycle Sunday in the southbound lanes of Interstate 75 near Miami Lakes.
Meanwhile, Miami police Officer Carlos Gomez, 26, remains in critical condition at Jackson Memorial Hospital after he suffered head and leg injuries in a crash Monday morning in the Wynwood arts district.
"I'm excited to help out," Miami police Officer Juan Delia said. "We have a brother in need, so I need to be here. The guy got hurt in the line of duty. You know, it could have happened to anybody, and it's good to back up your officers."
Police said Gomez was on his way to a priority call at the time of the crash.
"It's heart-wrenching when one of us gets hurt," Morales said.
It's unclear whether Gomez or the other driver, Julio Jimenez, 47, was at fault.
Police said Jimenez was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Police said he suffered a possible broken leg.
Gomez has been with the Miami Police Department for a year.
"He's a great guy, even though he's been here a very short time," Morales said.
Authorities said Carter is a 21-year veteran of the Miami-Dade Police Department.
"Not only did I know Maj. Carter because he was a fine member of our community, but he was always there," Miami police Officer Kenia Fallat said.
No other vehicles were involved in Sunday's crash.