SAN DIMAS >> The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is inviting the community to join deputies at the sheriff’s San Dimas Station Saturday for a barbecue, and help save the life of a 17-year-veteran of the department who’s battling cancer.
Sgt. Jorge Chavez was recently diagnosed with leukemia, sheriff’s officials said.
“Sergeant Chavez is in need of a lifesaving marrow donor, and until a match is found, blood and platelet donations will be in dire need,” sheriff’s officials said in a written statement. “There is currently no matching marrow donor for Sergeant Chavez.”
Fellow deputies have taken it upon themselves to organize several bone marrow match events in search of bone marrow donor for Chavez.
A barbecue and bone marrow matching event is planned from 11 a,m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday at the sheriff’s San Dimas Station, 270 S. Walnut Ave., where Chavez worked from 2013 to 2016, coworkers said. His assignments have also included the sheriff’s Industry Station, and most recently, the sheriff’s Narcotics Bureau.
In just a few minutes, through a “quick and easy” oral swab, potential donors can find out if they are a match for the ailing sergeant.
“I encourage everyone to become a bone marrow donor. Even if you turn out not to be MY perfect match, you might be someone else’s perfect match,” Chavez said in a statement issued from his hospital bed. “There are so many of us that are waiting and hoping our match will be found soon. By taking a few minutes and becoming a donor, you can be an angel and save one of our lives and keep our families together.”
Marrow donors must between 18 and 44 years old, be in general good health and be willing to help a patient in need, officials said.
Those who are tested for a match will receive a free barbecue lunch, organizers said. Those not undergoing testing can purchase a plate for a fundraising price of $7.
Those wishing to be tested, but unable to attend the event, can request a swab kit via mail by visiting http://join.marrow.org/swabforjorge.
Blood and platelet donors must be 17 years of age, in good health and meet some basic requirements. Blood and platelet donations can be made at the City of Hope in Duarte.
For more information, contact RARobbin@lasd.org.

PHOTO of Sgt. Jorge Chavez courtesy of the LASD.