SCPD Holds 16th Annual Glen Ciano Blood Drive, Supports Long Island Cares

Suffolk County officials, first responders and community members are gathering at the Commack Fire Department headquarters for the 16th annual Glen Ciano Blood Drive, a memorial event that runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today at 6309 Jericho Turnpike in Commack. For the first time, organizers are also collecting food for Long Island Cares as regional blood shelves and food banks face mounting strain.

County Executive Ed Romaine, Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina, Commack Fire District Chairman Pat Fazio, New York Blood Center representatives and Susan Ciano, widow of Officer Glen L. Ciano, announced the combined effort during a Feb. 4 press conference and urged residents to participate. The New York Blood Center has declared a blood emergency, reporting a 40% drop in donations, roughly 10,000 fewer donations and less than a two-day supply for more than 200 hospitals across the tri-state region. Officials say holiday disruptions, seasonal illnesses and severe winter weather contributed to the shortfall.

“Our region is currently experiencing a blood shortage, and your donation could save three lives. Thank you to the family and everyone who has supported this blood drive over the years,” Romaine said, stressing the immediate life-saving impact of each donation. Commissioner Catalina reflected on the drive’s meaning for law enforcement and the community: “We never forget the ultimate sacrifice. This blood drive is a meaningful tribute to a man who spent his career saving lives.”

Officer Glen L. Ciano died on Feb. 22, 2009, after being struck by a drunk driver while responding to a call. A 22-year veteran of the 2nd Precinct in Huntington, Ciano was the 22nd member of the Suffolk County Police Department killed in the line of duty. The department retired his patrol car and named the next patrol squad car No. 222 in his honor. What began as a modest memorial effort has grown into one of the largest single-day donation efforts hosted by a local fire department, organizers said, with a framed portrait of Ciano and a Long Island Cares collection bin displayed inside the firehouse.

Public health officials emphasize that donations now address both acute hospital needs and longer-term health equity concerns: limited blood supply can delay surgeries and trauma care across Suffolk County and the wider tri-state area, and rising food insecurity increases demand on local pantries. The combined blood-and-food drive links two pressing community needs and lowers barriers by placing both donation options in one familiar neighborhood location.

Appointments are being coordinated through the New York Blood Center’s scheduling system and walk-in availability may be limited. The drive’s organizers urged residents to donate blood or nonperishable food today to honor Officer Ciano’s legacy and to help hospitals and food banks serving Suffolk County families.