Flags are flying at half-staff at the HPD North Patrol Station in honor of the fallen officer. Inside, even more is going on to honor his memory.
"We're so desperate for officers and here we are losing them," said one donor.
Participants feel giving blood is the least they can do. Officers and people from the community surrounding the North Patrol Station started showing up around 9am Thursday to donate blood in honor of Officer Mani. The 30-year-old officer died Wednesday from injuries sustained in a wreck while he was on duty. Fellow officers remember Mani as quiet and dependable.
"Giving blood saves lives and the officer yesterday and those doctors performed heroic measures to try to save him and none of that would have been possible without the blood that is available," said HPD Captain Victor Rodriguez.
"It just really breaks my heart when one of the officers is killed or dies or anything like that. So that's why I'm here - to support the officers," said another donor.
It was late Tuesday night and Officer Mani was on patrol heading north on the feeder road of the North Freeway when he lost control of his patrol car, flipped over and came to rest right side up. Emergency crews freed the trapped officer, but after hours of surgery Officer Mani lost his fight to survive.
Too upset for words, Officer Mani's brother was at the North Patrol Station too Thursday morning among those waiting to donate, give back and honor the fallen officer.
"Giving blood, from my understanding, is very important. People need it and what can you really say in situations like this - you just do it," said an officer donating blood.
The blood drive is going on until 3pm at the HPD North Patrol Station at 9455 West Montgomery Road.
The accident that took Officer Mani's life is under investigation. He leaves behind a wife and 3-year-old child.
DonationsDonations to assist Officer Mani's family can be made to the 100 Club.
