Georgia deputy donates kidney to fellow deputy

WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. (FOX 5 Atlanta) - In less than a couple of weeks, a Whitfield County Sheriff’s deputy will receive the gift of a lifetime from one of his fellow deputies in the form of a kidney.

Deputy David Hedrick says he found out about a year ago his kidneys were in serious trouble. That’s when he got on dialysis, the organ donor list, and Facebook to let everyone know he needed help finding a kidney. Fellow deputy, Jeffrey Diak saw the post and got on the list to donate.

“It's almost like he is my little brother but he's my hero too,” said Hedrick. “Don’t know how to put it other than that."

After a few tests, they learned Diak’s kidney is a perfect match. The two will head to Nashville on January 24 for surgery. Diak says when he joined the department as a rookie, Headrick went out of his way to help him out. When he saw his friend needed help, he says he was happy to return the favor.

"I told him he’s going to get some of my energy after this is over with,” said Diak.

“I hope so!” Said Headrick.