BLOOD DRIVE IS TODAY FOR INJURED POLICEMAN

The Cape Girardeau police and fire Departments are hosting a blood drive today in honor of Officer Dan Niswonger, who was seriously injured in a car accident over the weekend.

The blood drive will be held at Fire Station No. 1, at the intersection of Sprigg and Independence streets, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today.

Niswonger was injured Saturday when he was struck by a southbound van on North Sprigg Street, while attempting to pass the vehicle. Niswonger was operating one of the department's motorcycles at the time of the accident.

Sgt. Carl Kinnison of the Cape Girardeau Police Department said that Niswonger was trying to pass the van on the left side, when the vehicle turned left. Niswonger was thrown from the motorcycle and struck a nearby utility pole. He was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

Niswonger was immediately transported by ambulance to the St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

Kinnison said Niswonger is suffering from a fractured pelvis, his right hip is dislocated, his right knee was injured and he sustained several lacerations to his back and the right side of his body.

"Believe it or not, he's really in pretty good spirits," said Kinnison. "He's talking, but the doctors are saying it's going to be awhile until he's up and around."

Monday, he was transported to the Saint Louis University Hospital where he will undergo surgery Wednesday. He is listed in stable condition at the St. Louis hospital.

Niswonger was performing traffic control duties at a running event at the time of the accident. The incident occurred near the intersection of North Sprigg and Emerald streets, in front of the Show Me Center.