Missouri police officer receives kidney from slain Independence officer
Springfield MO October 16 2021 A Missouri police officer in need of a kidney found a donor – a fellow Independence officer and organ donor who was recently killed in the line of duty.
Springfield police officer Mark Priebe started dialysis after a 2020 car crash left him paralyzed, according to the Kansas City Star.
Fortunately for him, fellow law enforcement officer Blaize Madrid-Evans was an organ donor.
Blaize Madrid-Evans, who was recently shot and killed while approaching a residence during his field training, was a perfect match for Priebe.
Priebe, a 21-year-veteran with the Springfield Police Department, expressed his gratitude to Madrid-Evans and his family.
“I am forever grateful to Officer Madrid-Evans and his family for providing this direct donation,” Priebe said in a news release.
“I truly believe God had his hand in this and it’s been difficult to comprehend why I am allowed to continue to live, and this young, brand-new officer had to pay the ultimate sacrifice. I hope that I can honor him and his family by the way I live my life.”
Police say that a man intentionally drove his SUV into Priebe outside of the Springfield PD headquarters.
Madrid-Evans, 22, was a recent graduate from the police academy, and had only been on the job for 18 days when he was shot. The man who shot Madrid-Evans, 33-year-old Cody Harrison, was shot and killed at the scene by a fellow officer.
Priebe’s wife Heather also shared a message of gratitude for the donation.
“Mark has once again been given a second chance, thanks to a member of our thin blue line family. We hope we have the opportunity to meet Officer Madrid-Evans’ family in the near future and we pray for them as they navigate through the days ahead.”
