By Carmen Rodgers
Elmore/Autauga News
A blood drive was held Wednesday at Prattville Community Church to honor the beloved late Autauga County Sheriff Joe Sedinger. Hosted by the Sedinger family and the Autauga County Sheriff’s Department, this blood drive helped with the local blood supply and donations to the Autauga County Humane Shelter were also accepted in Sedinger’s honor.
“It means the world because before he passed away, he had to have platelets,” Sedinger’s wife Leona said.
Before Sedinger passed, he had the idea to hold a blood drive and that is the reason behind this event.
“He set this up himself,” she said. “He organized this while he was getting platelets. He was one that if he started something he wanted it finished and he wanted it big and so we are hoping for a big turnout.”
Sedinger’s daughter, Kristie Carroll, was also present for the blood drive. Kristie has a birthday coming up and she hopes this blood drive turns out to be an annual event that she celebrates in honor of her father.
“That will be my gift from my daddy, every year,” Kristie said. “I would like for this to be a blowout event. If it turns out to be as good as I’m hoping it will be then we’ll make it an annual event.”
For those who were unable to give blood, donations for the Prattville/Autauga County Humane Shelter were accepted at the drive.
“If they can’t give blood, they can bring in a donation for the Humane Society also,” Leona said.
Community members, Autauga County Sheriff Deputies, friends and family were at the memorial blood drive.
“Joe was a friend of mine,” said Steve Whitehead. “Joe was a good friend of mine. That’s why I thought I would come. I know that life is short. We had a meeting in Jones Community Center and his wife, Leona, and my wife Debra – we all sat together at the same table. We just had a good time, and we had no idea that just in a short time he’d be gone.”
Whitehead and Sedinger were also members of the Prattville Millbrook Sunrise Rotary Club.
“Joe was a Christian man, and I enjoyed the time that we spent together. He’s truly missed,” Whitehead said.
Tina Crocker also attended the blood drive.
“I always give blood, but this time I did it for Joe,” Crocker said.
David and Cathy Clark also attended the blood drive in honor of Sedinger.
“We have known Joe and Leona for many years,” Cathy said. “We wanted to do this to honor Joe.”
There will be another blood drive at Centerpoint Fellowship Church, located at 1200 McQueen Smith Rd., on Feb. 12 in Sedinger’s honor.
