Minneapolis Cop Needs Heart Transplant

After an unrelated surgery in April, Minneapolis police Sgt. Bill Blake learned he has major problems with his heart, which doctors say won't last more than two years.

"I want to be able to see my kids graduate and hold my grandkids,” Blake said. “If this is what I have to do to live, I’m going to fight for it."

Blake is a 17-year veteran with the Minneapolis Police Department. He is perhaps most widely known for his quick-thinking during an attempted armed robbery at Legends Bar and Grill in northeast Minneapolis back in 2007.

When two suspects held up the crowded bar, Blake shot the weapon right out of one of the suspect’s hands. He was awarded the city's Medal of Valor for his actions that day.

Today he's recovering from a recent l-vad operation, in which a mechanical device was inserted into his chest to help his heart pump.

The cords, controller and batteries always have to be with him. Blake will admit he's normally a private guy. But he is speaking out, hoping to remind others about the importance of organ donation.

Related Links:
http://www.organdonor.gov/donor/index.htm
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/billblake0579