Lakeland,
FL
http://origin.amw.com/allstar/2010/nominee-detail.cfm?id=7683
Captain Rick Hohl says he was doing what he does every day: living to serve; but on Oct. 27, 2009, he gave the ultimate gift to a stranger: another chance at life. Months earlier, Captain Hohl responded to a desperate plea sent to sheriff offices across the state of Florida for a life-saving kidney transplant for Okaloosa County Deputy Johnnie Briggs. Captain Hohl said he didn't have to think twice about donating his kidney and immediately contacted Deputy Briggs' representatives and transplant coordinator at Tulane Medical Center. A series of tests for the next few months confirmed that Captain Hohl's kidney was a miraculous perfect match, a one-in-thirty-thousand chance for two strangers. Deputy Briggs returned to work three months after the surgery. In January, Captain Hohl received an award for his selflessness from Deputy Briggs' Fraternal Order of Police. Rick Hohl has been with the Polk County Sheriff's Office for the past 23 years and was promoted to captain in 2006. In 2008, he completed the Fellowship program training for the U.S. Marshals Service and now holds the title of special deputy. Captain Hohl is dedicated to living his Christian faith through a lifestyle of service. He says his experience helping Deputy Briggs has changed his life and he is now working on donating a portion of his liver. Captain Hohl also refurbishes broken bicycles and has donated almost 2,000 of them to needy children through his Bikes for Christ program.
Posted
Feb 25 2010, 12:14 PM
by
Chris Hayworth