Saskatoon police officer’s kidney donation inspires new policy

Being a police officer sometimes requires a tremendous amount of sacrifice, with officers sometimes called to put themselves in harm’s way and spend long hours away from their families.

But one officer with the Saskatoon Police Service has taken selflessness to a new level. Const. Chris Martin made the decision to become a living organ donor and donate a kidney to a friend.

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“Donation may have been a personal decision, but when you consider that, as a police officer, preserving life is what we are called to do, it seemed natural,” Martin said.

That decision led the Saskatoon Police Service to become the first police force in North America to join The Kidney Foundation of Canada’s Living Donor Circle of Excellence.

According to the police force, the Living Donor Circle of Excellence recognizes employers that help remove financial barriers for employees who choose to become living organ donors by providing wage replacement or other financial support during their recovery.

In response to Martin’s decision to become a living donor for a friend, the Saskatoon Police Service introduced paid leave for employees who choose to make an organ donation.

The police force became the second organization in Saskatchewan to receive the Circle of Excellence honour.

“Cst. Martin’s decision to donate a kidney is a remarkable example of compassion and what it means to ‘Be the Difference,'” Saskatoon Police Chief Cameron McBride said.

“In turn, he inspired us, as an employer, to consider how we can make a difference. Joining the Living Donor Circle of Excellence reflects our commitment to our people and helps reduce the financial barriers they may face when making a potentially life-changing gift.”

Martin has returned to active duty since donating a kidney to his friend, but the police force said his gift has created a legacy that will live on.

“That it has created something lasting within the (Saskatoon Police Service) is a fantastic side effect. These policies support employees financially during recovery and give everyone considering donation one less thing to worry about,” Martin said.

“I’m proud to work for an organization that supports its people in making a difference and can lead by example in the community and beyond.”