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It goes without saying that most of us do not have what it takes to serve in law enforcement, but each of us has the ability to be lifesavers in one of the ways West Virginia State Police Sgt. Cory Maynard chose, by registering as an organ and tissue donor.
Maynard was shot and killed in the line of duty while responding to a complaint in Mingo County last week. A Matewan man is in custody awaiting a preliminary hearing for Maynard's death.
By all accounts, Maynard set an outstanding example as a state trooper.
"While we will miss him every day, we also find comfort and strength in knowing that he lives on," his family said, in a statement through the Center for Organ Recovery and Education.
"In life, Cory was a wonderful dad and proudly and courageously served the state of West Virginia as a state trooper. Now, in death, he has continued that heroic legacy, making a far greater contribution to this world than most of us could ever hope to ourselves," the statement said, according to a report by WCHS.
Maynard was a tissue donor. Those who make such a decision can help 75 people and restore sight to two people.
It is easy to register to become a donor at https://core.org/register/ or by designating yourself as such at the Division of Motor Vehicles. If you choose to do so, be sure your family is aware of your status and wishes, too.
May it be a small measure of comfort to Maynard's family to know his heroism did not end with his death. Certainly those who are helped because of his decision will be grateful. As for the rest of us, we may not be capable of the kind of courage Maynard displayed in fulfilling what he believed was his duty. But we can follow his example of being an organ and tissue donor.
Perhaps many of you already have -- and bravo. But for the rest, do not delay.