Police officers from Brisbane Water Police District will come together next Friday to support one of their own through a community blood drive aimed at helping save lives.
The ‘Donate for Dee’ Blood Drive will be held at Gosford Lifeblood Centre on Friday 23 October 2026, with officers, staff and members of the community encouraged to roll up their sleeves and donate blood.
Brisbane Water Police District is coming together to support Dee Kozaruk, wife of Detective Dean Kozaruk, following the diagnosis of Angiosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer.
Dee and Dean are devoted parents to two young children, aged three and seven, and are now facing an incredibly difficult journey together.
The diagnosis followed a medical emergency during which Dee received 10 bags of donated blood that helped save her life.
Inspired by Dee’s wish to give back, Dean’s colleagues established the ‘Donate for Dee’ campaign, encouraging police and members of the community to donate blood and plasma through Lifeblood.
While created in support of Dee and her family, the campaign will also help ensure blood and plasma are available for the thousands of Australians who rely on donations every day.
To date, 22 people have already donated as part of the challenge, with a further 10 already registered to donate on Friday 23 October 2026.
Brisbane Water Police District Commander, Superintendent Darryl Jobson, said the campaign was about standing alongside a police family in need while encouraging others to give a gift that saves lives.
“Dee is a valued member of our police family and her diagnosis has been devastating for everyone who knows her. This campaign began because Dean’s colleagues wanted to rally around Dee, Dean and their young children, while also honouring Dee’s wish to give back after receiving blood donations that helped save her life.”
“The reality is that none of us knows when we, or someone we love, might need this precious gift. Dee’s story is a powerful reminder that blood donors save lives every day, often without ever knowing whose life they have changed.”
“As first responders, we see firsthand how important donated blood can be during medical emergencies. By donating blood or plasma, joining the Donate for Dee team, or supporting the family’s fundraising efforts, the community has an opportunity to make a genuine difference when it is needed most.”
In addition to the blood drive, officers have organised a range of fundraising initiatives to provide practical support to Dean, Dee and their children.
Community members can also support the family through the NSW Police Legacy appeal.
To make a blood donation, call 13 14 95, book online at www.lifeblood.com.au, or click here to join the Donate for Dee team.
To support the family directly through the NSW Police Legacy appeal, visit: https://www.policelegacynsw.org.au/support-the-kozaruk-family
