The Atlantic City community rolled up their sleeves and gave blood Tuesday, in honor of a police officer shot in the line of duty.

Sgt. Christian Ivanov came close to dying when he was shot in the femoral artery as SWAT officers breached a North Florida Avenue home June 2, to serve a search warrant.

Inside, convicted drug dealer Donald Capriotti fired multiple rounds from his wheelchair, according to the investigation by the Attorney General’s Office.

One bullet struck an officer in his helmet, which saved his life.

But Ivanov’s was bleeding heavily. His fellow officers rushed him to the Trauma Unit at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, where he underwent lifesaving surgery.

In honor of that care, a blood drive was held in Ivanov’s honor.

He and his wife, Bryanna, were there to see a steady stream of donors, whose donations will help trauma patients, individuals undergoing surgery or cancer treatment, and others whose lives may depend on a ready supply of blood.

Ivanov was on a gurney when he left the hospital June 18, headed to rehabilitation.

His improvement showed Tuesday, as he walked with a wrap on his calf.

Organizers said they were grateful for the turnout, and encouraged those who ould not come Tuesday to make an appointment at an upcoming blood drive to keep the momentum going and help ensure blood is available whenever it is needed most.