Fire departments in Modena, Wallkill and Clintondale are joining forces this winter to honor former Modena Fire and Rescue Chief Ken Meyer and to raise awareness about both blood donation and firefighter health as Meyer undergoes treatment for cancer.

Meyer, a longtime volunteer firefighter and past chief, has used his diagnosis to stress the importance of regularly cleaning firefighting gear and equipment to reduce cancer risks among first responders, organizers said. In support of Meyer, the departments and their auxiliaries are hosting a series of blood drives in late January and early February.

The first drive is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 31, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wallkill Fire Department, 112 Bona Ventura Ave., Wallkill, in the lower-level social hall.

A second drive will be held Monday, Feb. 2, from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Clintondale Fire Department, 1063 Route 44-55, Clintondale, hosted by the department’s auxiliary.

The final drive, billed as “Honoring Past Chief Ken Meyer: Now It’s Our Turn to Answer the Call,” will take place Sunday, Feb. 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Modena Fire Department, 1953 State Route 55, Modena.

Organizers said Meyer has seen firsthand the lifesaving impact of blood donations during his treatment and hopes the events will encourage community members to donate. Appointments are preferred for the Modena drive, though walk-ins will be accepted as space permits.

Donors are asked to eat well, stay hydrated, bring a photo ID and be symptom-free. Eligibility generally requires donors to be at least 17 years old and meet minimum weight requirements, though some drives allow 16-year-olds with parental consent and older donors with physician approval. Full eligibility guidelines and COVID-19 information are available at nybc.org/eligibility.
Sign-ups can be made by visiting nybc.org. Walk-ins will be welcomed at all locations, organizers said.