DEPUTIES DONATE BLOOD TO HELP HURT COLLEAGUE.

Byline: Bhavna Mistry Daily News Staff Writer

Deputies rolled up their sleeves and bared their arms Friday to give blood for comrade Paul Tallant, injured in a crash last week when he fell asleep driving home from working a double shift.

More than 30 deputies donated blood at a mobile blood drive presented by the American Red Cross in the back parking lot of the Lancaster sheriff's station.

``We're a pretty tight-knit group,'' Sgt. John Hargraves said. ``It's like an extended member of your family.''

Tallant, a seven-year veteran and father of two, was listed in serious but stable condition Friday at Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital.

He was injured at 3:35 p.m. Monday after he fell asleep at the wheel of his new pickup truck.

Officials said that Tallant was driving southbound on Bouquet Canyon Road near Vasquez Canyon Road, heading home to Santa Clarita, when he drifted onto the dirt shoulder. His truck rolled several times.

The 33-year-old deputy, who was not wearing a seat belt, was thrown from his vehicle and suffered kidney, spleen and liver damage. He also broke his back and fractured his pelvis.

Because of excessive internal bleeding, Tallant underwent surgery to remove his kidney.

``He's still expected to undergo further surgery,'' said Deputy Dave Miklos, who visited him at the hospital.

Tallant's wife, a deputy at the East Los Angeles sheriff's station, was by his side, Miklos said.

The blood donations were sought because of the upcoming surgery.

``I give blood on a regular basis anyway,'' said Lt. Terry Lewis. ``It's not the first time we've had it here.''