JERSEY CITY, N.J. (PIX11) - Jersey City Police Lieutenant Steve Palomba is taking a few minutes outside his police cruiser on Thursday to give something back.

"I think it should always be in the back of your mind to serve your community and to think of others," said Palomba. "A day like today just hammers that point home."

Palomba began his journey in service 20 years ago, not long after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

"After that I think it gave a sense of wanting to serve others," said Palomba. "I worked a corporate job prior to that. I think it left me and a lot of people searching for a higher calling and a purpose."

He's one of more than 200 people who gave blood at the 11th annual Jersey City Police and Fire 9/11 Memorial Blood Drive.

"For me, giving blood is an easy thing," said

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