The West New York Policemen’s Benevolent Association (PBA) hosted their fourth annual blood drive in honor of Otilio Leon, the father of Det. Robert Leon.
“It was a loss for the police department, the father of an officer of a father of everybody on the police department and Rob wanted to do something,” Police Director Robert Antolos told Hudson County View this afternoon.
“I know his dad suffered and I know blood transfusions did give him more life, a longer life, brought him some time and it’s in Rob’s heart continuing his father’s memory to help others … it helps, it saves lives.”
Antolos also noted that West New York Mayor Felix Roque and the Board of Commissioners supported the endeavor, which is why the blood drive was held on the second floor of Town Hall.
Reached on his cell phone, Det. Leon said that every year has seen donors increase, hoping to exceed last year’s total of 53.
As of about 4 p.m., medical personnel assisting in drawing blood said that at least 30 people had participated in the event.
Otilio Leon suffered from lymphoma and blood transfusions helped prolong his life for many years, his son also said.
