Blood Donations Taken in Memory of Trooper Christopher Skinner

The New York State Police and the American Red Cross are hosting the fifth annual blood drive in memory of fallen State Trooper Christopher Skinner.

Skinner was intentionally run down on Interstate 81 and every year a blood drive is held in his memory.

The blood drive is December 26 from noon to 6 p.m.  at the Five Mile Point Fire Company at 16 Crescent Drive in Kirkwood.

Skinner was a 13 year veteran of the New York State Police and was conducting a traffic stop along the side of the highway between Hinmann’s Corners and Castle Creek when a Florida man accelerated and swerved across several lanes to intentionally run over the Broome County native, killing him.  Almond Upton died in prison December 9^th where he had been serving a life sentence.

Red Cross Blood Services officials have said this year the need for blood is especially great with supplies on the shelves available for the hospitals only at about two-days worth.  That’s at a record low level even going into the holidays.

People who can’t make it to the memorial blood drive can also find a drive at the Oakdale Mall through December 28 or can make an appointment by calling 1-800-733-2767.  Each donation can save up to three lives.