In three of the last four years, the popularity vote component of the annual Battle of the Badges blood drive was close enough where the losing side could have requested a recount.
Not this time.
The Emporia Fire Department ended local law enforcement’s two-year winning streak with an emphatic 171-107 win in the popular vote. Fire Marshal Reason Bradford was more focused on the community support than the popularity vote.
Lyon County Detective Sgt. Jacob Welsh also gave a shout-out to the community. He says the departments work well together, aside from the good-natured ribbing that’s commonplace with this event.
Emporia Police Detective Dominick Vortherms thanked the area for the heavy turnout all three days.
Almost 290 usable units of blood were collected, besting goal of 260. American Red Cross spokesperson Susan Faler:
Firefighters now lead the overall series 8-6. Law enforcement had won the last two years.
Plans are already underway for the 2019 drive, which will be the 15th anniversary year. Vortherms says next year’s event will cover three days in the same way that Battle of the Badges did this week.
Related: Blood drive steaming towards goal
Related: Battle of the Badges has solid start
Photos by Chuck Samples/KVOE News
{gallery}Battle of the Badges Aug 17 2018{/gallery}
