Pennsylvania is grieving the loss of a brave and selfless man. Lt. Dennis DeVoe was a firefighter for 21 years. A husband and father of four, he was heading to a deadly fire in Harrisburg when he was struck by a vehicle and killed.
He died in the line of duty.
As we approach Donate Life Month in April, we reflect on DeVoe’s life and service. Even after death, his heroism and selflessness continued. With his family’s generous support of his decision to register as a donor, five life-saving organs, tissue and cornea were donated for transplantation.
This dedication to others defined who Dennis Devoe was.
DeVoe’s gift had an immediate impact because the need for organs is great. Nearly 8,000 people in Pennsylvania currently are waiting for a life-saving transplant, including many in the Harrisburg area.
Every time the phone rings, they wonder if this is the call that will save their life. These people are our parents, our children, our siblings, our husbands, wives and friends. But for too many of them, the phone call never comes.
About every 18 hours, someone in Pennsylvania dies waiting for an organ.