Captain Richard Doyle, who will become the town’s next police chief as of April 6, was among the many volunteers who donated blood March 25 at the Easton Public Library.
The American Red Cross faces a severe blood shortage due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations during this coronavirus outbreak. Healthy individuals are needed to donate now to help patients counting on lifesaving blood.
“I encourage people to find a local blood drive and support the great work of the American Red Cross,” Doyle said. “They have safety precautions in place to keep people safe. They took my temperature when I arrived, and there was plenty of hand santitizer available. The whole process took about 25 minutes. They were extremely efficient and courteous, and the whole staff was wonderful.”
Doyle is Easton’s emergency operations director in addition to the newly appointed police chief, replacing current Chief Tim Shaw who is leaving to become chief of the Stamford Police Department. Doyle meets regularly with the town’s Unified Command, including First Selectman Dr. David Bindelglass, the Easton EMS and the Easton Fire Department.
Doyle praised the Unified Command and said they have “real good procedures down for handling cases. They are doing a phenomenal job.”
“The first selectman is doing a great job getting the word out,” Doyle said. We have gotten calls from the public asking if there is anything we need. We encourage people to take care of themselves. If we need anything we will channel things through the first selectman’s office and use social media outlets to get word out. We’re doing well and appreciate the support of the community.”
He said the woman who drew his blood was “reassuring and knowledgeable and made me feel comfortable throughout the process.” He encourages others to find a blood drive near them and donate.
Individuals can schedule an appointment to give blood with the American Red Cross by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or activating the Blood Scheduling Skill for Amazon Alexa.
Easton Police Chief to be, Captain Richard Doyle, donates blood at the American Red Cross drive at the Easton Library community room. 
Richard Doyle, Easton Emergency Operations Director, rests briefly after donating blood at the American Red Cross drive at the Easton Library community room.
