Los Angeles: On Monday, January 24, 2005, Newton Area will be having a blood drive in honor of Officer Ricardo Lizarraga.

Officer Lizarraga was murdered in the line of duty on February 20, 2004 . Officer Lizarraga and his partner received a radio call of a "Domestic Violence" dispute in 77th Division at a residence located in the 1700 block of West 48th Street . Officer Lizarraga was shot multiple times and died as a result of his injuries.

Officer Lizarraga became the 195th LAPD Officer to die in the line of duty since 1907, the first to be murdered on-duty since 1998 and the first in Newton Area since 1945.

Los Angeles Police Department, Newton Area, Family and Friends of Ricardo Lizarraga invite you to celebrate Officer Lizarraga's life by donating blood between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday, January 24 would have been his 32nd birthday.

Anyone wishing to participate can contact Police Service Representative Angela Maciel, at 323-846-3942 for an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome.

This news release was prepared by the Los Angeles Police Department's Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.