The terrible human cost of the Minkler shoot out on February 25, 2010 was evident almost immediately outside Community Regional Medical Center's emergency room. Two of three wounded officers would ultimately pay the highest price: Fresno County Sheriff Deputy Joel Walenheimer and Reedley Police Officer Javier Bejar.
Early Monday morning the family of Officer Bejar chose to donate his organs and let him go in peace. A decision the Amezcua family of Fresno knows all too well. Sadly German Amezqua's son became an organ donor, "My heart goes out to the family. I know what they're going through."
In Northeast Fresno a little more than two years ago a horrible crash caused by a teen in a stolen car left German Amezqua's son Sebastian in a brain dead state. His wife and other son, Emanuel were also injured.
After learning that Sebastian was without brain function his parents made the decision they had often discussed, even as their hearts were breaking, "It was a not an easy decision but it was a decision we had already talked about. There was no way to help my son medically that could bring him back."
Families don't walk this road alone. They have support and help from hospital staff and the California Donor Network. First they provide grief support for as long as the family needs. No family is pressured say Esther Padilla who follows and assists donor families long after their decision is made, "It's never easy for a family. And when they are ready they'll give you the sign: What's next? What do we do next?"
Only then says Padilla will they be walked through the process, the paperwork and ultimately the decision to offer the gift of life. German Amezcua knows its value, "And for the people that received those organs it was a very special gift." And a very precious one says Amezcua. He and his wife Jessie take comfort in knowing part of their son lives on. He hopes Officer Bejar's family will find strength in that same comfort, "Our prayers are with them it's a very, very hard thing they're going through."
If you would like to assist the families of these fallen law enforcement officers here's how, an account has been set up for officer Bejar's family. People wanting to donate can go to any Chase Bank branch and ask to donate to the "Javier Bejar support fund". No account information is necessary
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The California Transplant donor Network is a non-profit organ recovery organization and the link between organ donors in hospitals and patients on the transplant waiting list.
To sign up to be an organ and tissue donor:
English: www.donateLIFEcalifornia.org
Spanish: www.doneVIDAcalifornia.org
For more information visit: www.ctdn.org
