TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. — A fallen Tarpon Springs police officer was remembered Thursday.

July 4, 2019 would have been fallen officer Charlie Kondek's 50th birthday. 

To honor his life, his family held a blood drive on Independence Day outside of the Tarpon Springs Police Department. 

"I love donating blood," said his daughter, Aleena Kondek. "He taught us all just to go donate as much as we could." 

Kondek was shot and killed in the line of duty in 2014. Every year, celebrating his birthday has been hard for his family. They decided that getting their community involved in a blood drive was the perfect way to honor him. 

"We're not just sitting here mouring. This is something we can get the community involved with on a positive day, because it should be a positive day," Kondek said. 

If you couldn't attend the blood drive, the family encourages everyone to donate and help save a life. Click here for more information or call 1-888-9-DONATE.