Police officer donates kidney to nephew

Police officers are sworn to serve and protect the lives of citizens of their surrounding communities.That is exactly what East Point Police Officer Eddie Christmas recently did for his nephew.Christmas, 37, was scheduled to under go surgery to donate a kidney to his 2-year-old nephew.
"He's been on dialysis since he was born because of kidney failure," Christmas said. "I'm doing this because I love him."Christmas had known since his nephew's birth that there might be a possibility he would need to apply to be a donor for the toddler.His nephew had recently become in dire need of the transplant and the family had been trying to get a match and any blood tests run for some time."My sister, my nephew's mom, went in June to get blood tested, but she couldn't do it, so they told me that I was possibly the next best match," Christmas said.Last week, Christmas found out he was a match and immediately scheduled to have the surgery done.Christmas said his recovery time as the donor would be about four to six weeks.In order to be considered as a donor, a person must not be diabetic or have high blood pressure problems or any other physical ailment.
"It was some pretty intense testing that I had to go through," Christmas said."They go through every test imaginable."He was scheduled for surgery at Emory University Hospital Friday with his nephew receiving the kidney a short time later at Eggleston Children's Hospital.Christmas said he is thankful to the East Point Police Department for their support of him and his family.

Officer of the Month for October 2005

To: Officer Kenneth Houston
From: Major Jackie Fletcher
Reference: Officer of the Month for October 2005
On behalf of Chief Frank L. Brown and the Division Commanders it is my distinct pleasure to inform you that you have been selected as Officer of the Month for October 2005.
You have been selected because of your outstanding service to the City of East Point based on your actions on Sunday, August 28, 2005 when you responded to a robbery in progress at 1526 E. Forrest Ave, East Point, Ga. 30344.
On Sunday, August 28, 2005 Officer Michaud and Officer Houston responded to a robbery in progress call to 1526 E Forrest Ave. Officer Michaud arrived on the scene first and interviewed the victim who stated that while he was working in his yard, he was confronted by two males who attempted to carjack him of his vehicle. The victim further stated that he was able to get away from the perpetrators and used his cell phone to call 911 to give a description and direction of the perpetrators.
Officer Houston took it upon himself to learn the geographical layout of his patrol area, positioned himself ahead of the perpetrators. Officer Houston observed a suspect matching the physical description on the footbridge over the Marta Rail Station at Main St. Officer Houston demonstrated good leadership ability by setting up a containment perimeter around the footbridge by posting officers at various locations to keep the suspect from escaping. At which time Officer Houston was able to apprehend the suspect with the aid of other officers, without incident, on the footbridge. The victim was transported to the scene where he positively identified the suspect as the one who tempted to carjack him.
Officer Houston’s work efforts were critical in bringing this case to a closure and the arrest of the suspect.
Therefore, this letter is to commend Officer Houston for a job well done. As a result of his training and keen observation skills and commitment to teamwork, helped solve this case and prevent further harm to the general public.
His work ethics reflects well upon this department and it is my privilege to commend him for his actions.
I am recommending that this letter of Officer of the Month be placed in his personnel file.
Major J. Fletcher
Field Operations Division, Div. Cdr