Czech firefighter honored for three decades of blood donation

A firefighter from Hrádek, Czech Republic, has been donating blood for over 30 years. He began in 1993 after his brother encouraged him and has maintained a schedule of roughly four donations per year. After 82 free donations he received the Golden Cross III grade from the Czech Red Cross, a recognition he calls a milestone rather than a goal.

He now counts 282 successful donations and plans to stop at age 55, noting that health can change unexpectedly. Blood donation is common among Czech firefighters; roughly half of those in Liberec donate, and collective drives are organized especially during holiday periods when shortages occur. Over the years, donation procedures have modernised, shifting from tube‑based draws to fingertip testing with faster laboratory results. He also donated plasma during the Covid‑19 pandemic.

The story highlights the personal commitment of one firefighter and the broader culture of voluntary blood donation within Czech emergency services.