FERRIDAY — Former Ferriday native and police officer Larry Trant is seeking help through blood donations from area residents after an accidental gunshot wound caused him to lose close to 25 units of blood.

From 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday at the Vidalia Walmart, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 13 at the Concordia Parish Courthouse, there will be a LifeShare Blood Center bus taking donations from Miss-Lou residents for Trant.

Approximately three weeks ago, Trant was getting into his truck when his holstered gun accidentally discharged.

The bullet from the gun entered Trant’s upper thigh and exited his lower calf, just above the right ankle.

Trant was taken to the hospital where surgeons worked to save his foot and leg, but a week after being admitted to the hospital, Trant’s leg was amputated.

Trant’s nephew and Monterey resident Jimbo Trant said his uncle also had a heart attack while he was in the hospital due to the loss of blood.

“He has had several surgeries on his leg and on his heart,” Jimbo said. “We are just trying to replenish his blood now.”

Jimbo said Trant was born and raised on Lake St. John, and served on the Ferriday Police Department in the mid 1970s before moving to north Louisiana and working for the Shreveport Police Department.

Jimbo said Trant retired as a detective from the SPD and currently works for the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office.

“He has been in law enforcement his whole life,” he said. “He has always been one of those good guys who loved being a cop.”

Jimbo said his uncle is a very fun and friendly guy who always does what he can to help others out.

“He never met a stranger he didn’t like,” he said. “He is always joking around, and he is always in a good mood.”

Jimbo’s wife Jodee Trant said everybody loves “Uncle Larry.”

“He is a wonderful person,” she said. “He is so happy-go-lucky, and he always brings a smile to your face.”

Jimbo said his uncle needs as much blood as he can get, and he couldn’t be more thankful for the CPSO and LifeShare for holding a special blood drive just for that purpose.

“We really do appreciate everything that is being done,” he said. “Every little bit helps, and I know my uncle is thankful for the support.”

The blood center bus will be located in the parking lot of Walmart Saturday, and on the Ferriday side of the courthouse July 13.

Anyone interested in donating blood has to bring a valid photo ID card.

For further information regarding the blood drive, contact Kathleen Stevens at 318-336-5231, 318-757-3162 or 318-386-2200.