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Montgomery County Fire/Rescue to Host 8th Annual Alfaro Memorial Blood Drive

For Immediate Release: Monday, October 22, 2012

The Montgomery County Police Department 90th Anniversary Blood/Food Drive was a huge success, and a large part of that success stemmed from the help we received from our public safety partner, Montgomery County Fire/Rescue.  In turn, we hope to help them in achieving equal success with their 8th Annual Alfaro Memorial Blood Drive to be held on Sunday, October 28th.  This is another opportunity for anyone who wishes to donate blood but was unable to participate on Friday.



In July 2009, Firefighter Carlos Alfaro, Sr.  passed away after four years of undergoing treatments for Multiple Myeloma, which included three bone marrow transplants and several blood transfusions.  Through the various treatments, he received many units of blood and blood products.



Carlos, Sr. was widely known as he was the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) chief cameraman, video producer, photographer, and video editor for over 15 years.  Many of his productions have been seen at local, state, and national events.  He spent countless hours involved in studio production as well as assisting with child car safety seat installations at the MCFRS Community Services Building in Aspen Hill.



 Carlos, Jr. died on September 1, 2006 after a long battle with a liver disease brought on by an exposure he received while performing life-saving duties in Montgomery County.   Carlos, Jr. was a liver transplant patient that received countless blood transfusions which prolonged his life and allowed him to share many wonderful years with his now 18-year-old daughter, Karina.



  Both father and son benefited from blood transfusions, and now their family is trying to give back by promoting the need for blood donations with the hope that other families will benefit as theirs did.



 These two firefighters, who spent most of their careers at Station 16 in Silver Spring, were extraordinary people and were loved by family, co-workers, and community members due to their dedication to serve others.  Carlos Alfaro Sr. served in the fire service for over 30 years, and Carlos Alfaro Jr. for 18 years.



As both were native Peruvians, this duo of public servants and their families were and have been generously dedicating their time to serving the Hispanic community by aiding, translating, recruiting, and educating on many different levels.  Over the years, they collected and sent surplus American fire apparatus and protective gear to Peruvian firefighters.  Locally, during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, they quietly collected food, toys, and Christmas decorations and delivered them to many families in need in and around Montgomery County.



This 8th Annual Blood Drive is the Alfaro family’s way of coping with their loss and finding good in everything.  The family is asking the community to come together, donate blood, and experience the gift of life.





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Release ID: 12-266
Media Contact: mcpnews 
Categories: blog