For more than 30 years, Lt. Bart Smith protected and served citizens as a Murfreesboro Police officer, county wheel tax officer and Rutherford County deputy. Now, Smith needs help from those citizens. Smith was diagnosed with leukemia shortly before he retired from the sheriff’s office in July. WebMD described leukemia as cancer of the blood cells that starts in the bone marrow, the soft tissue inside most bones. Bone marrow is where blood cells are made. Sheriff’s Capt. Steve Spence said Blood Assurance will test people from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12 at the Lane Agri-Center at 315 John Rice Boulevard behind Sam’s club “to help Bart and to help others who are fighting the same battle.” The test consists of a taking a cotton swab inside the mouth. The process takes about 30 minutes. People must be between the ages of 18 and 60, be willing to donate to any patient in need and meet health guidelines. “If it’s a match, you will be called back for further testing,” Spence said. “If anyone is a match and decides to donate, it’s no cost to be a donor.” Blood Assurance will also hold a blood drive at the same time. People with questions may call Shawn Lee at 477-3954.