INDEPENDENCE, MO — The kidney of Independence Police Officer Blaize Madrid-Evans, who was killed in the line of duty last week, has been donated to Springfield Police Officer Mark Priebe.

Madrid-Evans, an organ donor, was tragically shot and killed during his first year of service with the Independence Police Department at the age of 22. Priebe, a 21-year veteran of the Springfield Police Department, was paralyzed after being pinned underneath a car at the department headquarters last year. 

“I am forever grateful to Officer Madrid-Evans and his family for providing this direct donation,” Priebe said. “I truly believe God had His hand in this and it’s been difficult to comprehend why I am allowed to continue to live, and this young, brand new officer had to pay the ultimate sacrifice. I hope that I can honor him and his family by the way I live my life.” 

Priebe had been undergoing dialysis since earlier this year to aid with the functionality of his kidney. He and his family traveled to St. Louis to receive Madrid-Evans’ kidney three daves after the fallen officer’s death on Sept. 18. Coincidentally, Preibe underwent surgery on the third Saturday of September, which is ‘Thank a Police Officer Day’. 

“We are still emotional from this whole situation, as you can imagine, and this is part of our journey that you cannot make up,” Priebe’s wife, Heather, told the Missouri Times. “Mark has once again been given a second chance, thanks to a member of our thin blue line family. We hope we have the opportunity to meet Officer Madrid-Evans’ family in the near future and we pray for them as they navigate through the days ahead.” 

Madrid-Evans’ funeral will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. at the Community of Christ Auditorium in Independence.