Xenia Daily Gazette
BELLBROOK — Bellbrook donor Bill Beeman has helped save lives by rolling on emergency runs and rolling up his sleeve to donate. He’s retired from the fire department, but still coordinates the BFD blood drive, and on Thursday, June 16 he made his milestone 100th lifetime donation at the Dayton Community Blood Center.
“The first time I donated blood was for the US Army,” he said. “I was working at the Tank Automotive Command in Warren, Michigan. I was a civilian engineer.”
He grew up in the Miami Valley and got to return home when he transferred to Wright Patterson Air Force Base in 1985 where he worked at the Air Force Research Lab. He retired this year after a 33-year career. Bill and his wife Sandy have been married 30 years and have a son and daughter.
Sandy keeps Bill busy with chores at the house. He’s also retired now from the Bellbrook Fire Department where he was a lieutenant and served 18 years as a firefighter and paramedic. The fire house is still a home away from home. He donated often at the BFD blood drives, and has served as the blood drive coordinator for 20 years.
His work in emergency services led to serving on the Green County Board of Health, where he is devoted to helping the county be prepared for any public health crisis. He teaches CPR and first aid classes, and volunteers with Boy Scout Troop 75 in Beavercreek.
Bill believes being prepared for emergencies includes having the necessary blood supply on hand, and that motives him to keep donating. “I enjoy doing it,” he said. “You know you’re helping other folks. You get that phone call a couple of weeks later telling you your blood was used on a certain date at a certain hospital. It really proves that yes, the blood is being used and really affects other people’s lives.”
Connect with Community Blood Center for the latest information and services at www.GivingBlood.org.
