SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Garrett Ramos is recovering at UCSF Wednesday after undergoing a kidney transplant which was donated by a San Mateo County Correctional Officer.

Ramos, 19, was suffering from full kidney failure as a result of a condition called IgA Nephropathy, according to Deputy Rebecca Rosenblatt with the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office.

Officer Jerran Higgins came to Ramos’ help after his father was disqualified due to health issues.

“He received the call at work that he could not himself be a donor and was reeling from this news when a coworker stepped forward and asked if he himself could be a match,” said Rosenblatt.

Higgins, a seven-year veteran of the sheriff’s office who works with Garrett’s father, Sgt. Gary Ramos, was discovered to be a perfect match after months of screening and extensive testing, according to Rosenblatt.

Higgins, a husband and father of two children, met Garrett’s father years earlier while the two played in a city hockey league.

“They remained close through work functions and social gatherings, but the Ramos family never imagined the relationship would one day make the difference for their son,” said Rosenblatt.

Higgins and Ramos are recovering together in the hospital, where Garrett’s loved ones have been live blogging updates about his condition at www.garrettupdates.com.