MIAMI (WSVN) - The community came together to honor two South Florida officers who were injured in separate crashes in less than 24 hours.
Religious leaders and officers from across Miami-Dade County gathered Monday at Miami-Dade Police’s Northside District Station, in Northwest Miami-Dade, to offer their prayers and support. The station is run by Miami-Dade Police Maj. Ricky Carter, one of the injured officers.
A heavy police presence could also be seen at Jackson Memorial Hospital, Monday, in a show of support for their brethren who were both critically injured in crashes.
Officials said Carter lost his leg when he crashed his personal motorcycle on Interstate 75, Sunday, at around 9 a.m. Carter was off-duty and on his way to a charity event at the time.
“We don’t know if our officer lost control or if something else occurred with the motorcycle that maybe caused him to hit the guardrail,” said Miami-Dade Police Officer Robin Pinkard.
Speaking at Northside Station, Miami-Dade Police Director Juan Perez said Carter, a 22-year veteran, is a beloved member of the community. “This talks to the bond that Ricky created in the community, where, when we ask, they come out and they get our backs spiritually,” he said.
Less than 24 hours after Carter was injured, Miami Police Officer Carlos Gomez sustained leg and head injuries in a crash near Northwest Second Avenue and 29th Street, at around 4:30 a.m. Police said Gomez has been on the force for a year.
Police said Gomez was responding in emergency mode to a priority call when he collided with a black Mazda, sending the cruiser barreling into a building.
Paramedics transported Gomez to the hospital in critical condition.
Officers from several agencies came out to show their support for the two injured officers.
Emergency blood drives for the two officers were held at several locations across the county. “This is a blood drive for two separate officers from two different departments, both suffering from life-threatning injuries,” said Miami-Dade Police Department Detective Jennifer Capote.
In addition to blood donations, police are also asking for prayers for the two officers. “I call on the community, all across the county, to continue to extend this prayer for this beloved brother,” said a religious leader at the gathering for Carter. “Don’t stop until we hear the good reports that God has raised him from his situation.”
The blood drives were held across the county Monday at locations in Miami, Doral, Kendall and Northwest Miami-Dade.
City of Miami Police announced the department will be holding its own blood drive at the Main Police Station, located at 400 N.W. 2nd Ave., Tuesday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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