They have the demanding task of attending some of the most horrific collisions and deaths on our state's roads, but detectives from the Major Collision Investigation Unit are giving the gift of life this Christmas.
Eight investigators from MCIU will today visit Australian Red Cross Lifeblood to donate blood, a crucial resource for surgeons when it comes to saving the lives of those critically injured during collisions.
Among those giving up time - and blood - is Inspector Stuart McGregor, who has sadly attended hundreds of life-threatening and fatal collisions over the years.
Insp McGregor said he had too often seen the devastating and ongoing effects of road trauma on victims, their families and the wider community, as well as on the emergency services who responded.
"No one expects their loved ones not to return home at the end of the day, but sadly that has been the cruel reality for so many families this year," Insp McGregor said.
"The Christmas and New Year period is unfortunately one of the most high-risk times on Victoria's roads with many taking part in festive functions, travelling long distances to see family and friends, or driving along roads that are unfamiliar to them.
"Too often it's regrettably the result of factors such as fatigue, distraction, and drugs and alcohol being added to the mix.
"The hardest thing for most families to comprehend is just how avoidable these incidents often are."
MCIU's generous donations come as part of Operation Roadwise, a state-wide operation that will see police out and about conducting breath tests, drug tests and speed checks to ensure everyone stays safe this Christmas and New Year.
"Police don't want to be attending road collisions just as much as the community don't want to see their loved ones caught up in them," Insp McGregor said.
"Donating blood may be a small gesture, but it's one that makes a significant difference in saving people's lives, and that's the outcome we always want."
Operation Roadwise started at 12.01am on Friday 13 December and runs until 11.59pm on Sunday 5 January.
