Roll up your sleeves and donate blood.
That’s the request from the American Red Cross Central Plains Division, local emergency responders and local law enforcement as the annual Battle of the Badges blood drive begins Wednesday.
On KVOE’s Newsmaker segment Tuesday, Emergency Communications Director Roxanne Van Gundy said dispatchers are glad to be part of the effort again this year.
There is always some good-natured ribbing between the agencies for this event, but Police Officer Dominick Vortherms says Battle of the Badges also highlights the daily interactions between the agencies.
Fire Marshal Reason Bradford asked residents to donate —
— and Bradford was also focused on the traveling trophy for most popular agency.
There are a lot more available appointment spots than normal for this particular blood drive — a concern for Red Cross spokesperson Susan Faler.
Battle of the Badges is once again at Twelfth Avenue Baptist Church. Donation hours are 12-6 pm Wednesday and Thursday, followed by 8 am-2 pm Friday. The winner of the favorite agency popularity contest will be announced shortly after 2 pm Friday. Donors also can either receive items on the spot, like free T-shirts, or they can be eligible to win several prizes, including gift cards and an all-expense-paid 3-day trip to New York City for a private shark dive adventure at Long Island Aquarium.
Walk-ins are welcome. Residents interested in setting appointments can go online to redcrossblood.org or call 800-RED-CROSS.”>redcrossblood.org or call 800-RED-CROSS.
