Blood drive to honor deputy

By JEFFREY SIMMONS/Staff

He gave his life in the line of duty; now the Sheriff’s Office wants others to give the gift of life to honor his memory.
On Dec. 4, the Wythe County Sheriff’s Office and American Red Cross will hold a blood drive to pay tribute to the late Cliff Dicker.
The 58-year-old law enforcement officer and military veteran was gunned down in 1994 while attempting to arrest a juvenile, who was later convicted of his murder.
In the years following the deputy’s death, the Sheriff’s Office has initiated a variety of projects to commemorate Dicker’s sacrifice.
Along with successfully lobbying for a Dicker monument along the New River Trail State Park, deputies also started the Cliff Dicker Scholarship. Funded in part from an annual golf tournament, the scholarships—$4,500 annually – go to six seniors from the county’s three high schools.
“We’re always looking for new ways to remember Cliff each year,” said Sgt. Teny Underwood, who’s been working with American Red Cross representative Sandy Myers to organize and promote the drive.
According to Myers, she got the idea after learning about Dicker during a high school graduation where his scholarship was presented. Since the agency likes to tie its blood drives to community projects and people, the Dicker memorial drive was a perfect fit.
“People tend to donate blood to what they know,” she said.
Set for Friday, Dec. 4, the Deputy Cliff Dicker Memorial Blood Drive will be held inside the old Wytheville Community Center on Fourth Street from noon until 6 p.m. The goal is 40 pints.
Sheriff’s Office personnel will be volunteering during the event, which will also include Papa John’s pizza, orange juice, cookies and candy.
Myers said 75 donors could be accommodated during the six-hour drive, which is being held two days before the 15th anniversary of Dicker’s death.
“I’ve never gave blood, but I’m going to roll up my sleeve,” said Underwood, who added that efforts on Dicker’s behalf have kept the department close with the slain officer’s family.
For Cliff Dicker’s son, Brent, the blood drive fits his father’s philosophy on service.
“I think it’s something he would believe in as far as a cause,” he said. “…He served the country and the community his whole life.”
For more information on the upcoming drive or to schedule an appointment, call 223-6005 or 223-6011. Walk-ins will also be welcome.
Jeffrey Simmons can be reached at 228-6611 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).