Outpouring of Support from Woburn for MBTA Officer Richard Donohue

There has been outpouring of support, thoughts and prayers for MBTA Police Officer Richard Donohue, of Woburn, who was injured in a shoot-out Thursday night with the Boston Marathon bombing suspects.

Donohue, 33, is a Winchester native who recently moved to Woburn with his wife and 7-month-old son. He has been a member of the MBTA Transit Police for three years.

In a statement released by his family earlier today, they said Donohue remains in serious condition at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge.

"We thank the people of Boston and the nation for the prayers and support they are sending to Richard and to our family," the family statement says. "Please continue to pray for Richard, a wonderful father, husband, son and brother, and a dedicated police officer who loves his work and helping people."

Woburn and Winchester Patch readers have expressed their thoughts and best wishes for Donohue and his family.

Judy Zagzoug posted on Woburn Patch's Facebook page that she is holding the officer in her thoughts. 

"Thoughts and prayers are with him and his family, wishing for a speedy recovery," she said. "Thank you for putting your life on the line to protect us."

Trish Schubmehl echoed the sentiment.

"Lots of prayers for him and his family," she posted

"Prayers to him and his family and for a speedy recovery," David Busa said.

On Winchester Patch a reader, identified only as Linda, responded to the news by posting "God bless" to the article.

Jeanne E. Craigie posted "May God bless him and all his family!" on Winchester Patch's Facebook page.

When news came out yesterday that Donohue was out of surgery and in stable, if still serious condition, Woburn Patch reader Melisa Doherty shared her relief.

"God bless him!," she said. "He's a hero! Prayers to him and his family!"

Across the state, people are doing what they can for the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings and the police officers injured in the line of duty.

In Woburn there was a blood drive today. Red Cross volunteer Sara Raymond said the number of walk-ins exceeded those who came by appointment and that some people waited over and hour-and-a-half to donate.

One of those donating was Chris Schindler of Woburn, who said he doesn't normally give blood but felt compelled to do so today.

"I woke up and thought that there must be a lot of people in need this week," he said. "This week's events opened my eyes to that."

About Richard

Donohue, a 1998 graduate of Winchester High School, was a yearbook contributor, National Honor Society member and a member of the mens' cross country, spring and winter track teams, according to the class of 1998 yearbook. He also was voted by his classmates as the "most hyper," according to the class superlatives page of the yearbook.

Please share your thoughts for Officer Donohue and his family in the comments section below.