TARRANT COUNTY (WBAP/KLIF)- Two Tarrant County Detectives have recovered from COVID-19 and plan to donate plasma to help others.
Detective Jerry Brown and Detective Mark Smith say they both had mild symptoms. Smith, who has asthma, said he thought it was allergies, until he got tested. Smith said he was doing tactical training with Brown the day before Brown felt ill and tested positive, but both don’t know how they contracted the virus.
“I was very lucky in that respect that my symptoms were very mild,” said Smith. Smith said he didn’t have a fever but had a scratchy throat and felt fatigued. After two negative tests and weeks of quarantining, the two detectives returned to work and now are helping to save as many lives as they can. Smith said people who have fully recovered from the virus have antibodies in their plasma that can attack the virus. “It’s a natural instinct to help others, for one my job is to help people in need but also as a citizen, it’s our job to be our brother’s keeper and look out for our neighbors…if we don’t do it nobody else will,” said Smith.
Smith urges everyone to stay home, stressing that people can pass the virus onto others without even knowing they have it. “If you have to go to the grocery store make sure it’s one person only, don’t take your whole family… there are people fighting for their lives with this virus and the more we can lessen the curve the better,” said Smith.
Both detectives have applied online to donate plasma through Carter BloodCare. If you have recovered from COVID-19 and wish to donate plasma you can make an appointment here.
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