Family Of Critically Injured Officer Asks For Public's Help - Hawaii News Now - KGMB and KHNL

Family Of Critically Injured Officer Asks For Public's Help

by: Minna Sugimoto

(KHNL) - Family members of a Honolulu police officer critically wounded while accompanying President Bush and his entourage earlier this week say they're grateful for the outpouring of support.

Barbara Favela is never too far from her husband's side at the Queen's Medical Center. Police officer Steve Favela, the father of their four young children, remains in critical condition after he crashed his motorcycle while taking part in the Presidential motorcade earlier this week.

"It's been a really rough time," Barbara Favela said. "But we're very thankful for all the support that we're getting. It's tremendous."

Investigators believe the 30-year-old was thrown from his bike, and slammed into a light pole. We're told doctors had to amputate one of his legs.

"At this time, Steve is still in need of your support in the form of blood donation," Bobbie Favela, injured officer's sister in law, said.

The Blood Bank of Hawaii says it's usually slow on the day after a holiday. But on this post-Thanksgiving, all beds are taken and bags of life-saving blood are piling up.

"Due to the, a lot of the accidents that's been going on and the police officer that had an accident, his motorcycle, I decided to come down," Elroy Abe, Pearl City resident, said.

Patrol officer John Carreiro is among the many officers giving blood. He says he and Favela graduated from the police academy together.

"I don't think anybody ever had any bad feelings or anything towards him," Carreiro said. "He's always upbeat. So it's a shock to see him in that condition."

Favela's oldest child is seven years old. The youngest, just three months. Family and friends hope more will take the time to donate blood.

"Not just for this kind of occasion, but anytime there's any accidents," Carreiro said. "It's for all our families."

The Blood Bank says it collected 234 pints Friday. Its goal on a normal day is 200.

Officer Favela's blood type is O. But the Blood Bank welcomes all types. The Dillingham location will be open both Saturday and Sunday. Appointments are recommended.