Even though four California police officers had their lives cut short by a gunman, they still will be helping save lives. Their donated organs and tissue will enhance the lives of scores of other people, the California Transplant Donor Network told The Associated Press Wednesday. The Oakland Police officers – John Hege, Mark Dunakin, Dan Sakai and Ervin Romans –were killed in a shootout last weekend, allegedly by career criminal Lovelle Mixon, at an apartment complex where he was hiding. “Officer Hege was registered on the Donate Life California Organ and Tissue Registry, which his family also supports,” the donor network said in a news release. “He chose in death as he did in life to help those in need. His organ donations saved the lives of four adult males from California.” The 41-year-old officer’s liver, kidneys and heart were donated, the network said, and the transplants were successfully completed Tuesday and early Wednesday. Hege’s family said in a statement, “Our son John never met a stranger. John’s courage and strength was enhanced by his ability to perceive the realities of life. In June 2008, he registered on the Donate Life California Organ and Tissue Donor Registry. We completely and proudly support his decision, and it gives us a great deal of comfort to know that four individuals have received the gift of life because of our selfless and beloved John. Even in death he gave to the lives of those in our community whom he had always loved and supported.”

The Oakland, Calif., man who was shot to death by police after killing four police officers Saturday had an extensive criminal record and was on parole for assault at the time of the incident, CNN reported. He also had prior convictions for grand theft. The gunman – Lovelle Mixon, 26, of Oakland – was killed by SWAT officers Saturday following a fierce gunfight in an apartment complex. Read the rest.