And the winner of the 2020 Battle of the Badges Blood Drive is. . . . the law.
The Emporia Police Department and Lyon County Sheriff’s Office took home the traveling trophy and bragging rights for the next year with a final vote tally of 197 to 118 over Fire and EMS. Lyon County Sheriff’s Detective Sergeant Jacob Welsh says the win feels good, however, the competition aspect of the annual blood drive is a secondary thought when it comes to saving lives.
This year’s blood drive saw a total of 303 pints of blood collected which has the potential to save over 900 lives.
American Red Cross Spokesperson Susan Faler says this year’s blood drive exceeded her wildest expectations given the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fire and EMS came in second place this year. Despite the final outcome, Fire Marshall Reason Bradford says the friendly competition is something they look forward to each year.
Bradford also agrees with his colleagues in law enforcement, stating the true purpose of the event is being able to save as many lives as possible.
The next blood drive on the local calendar will be taking place at Newman Regional Health in the first week of September. Faler wishes to remind all residents that COVID-19 antibody testing will continue at Red Cross blood drives through October.
For more information on upcoming blood drives or to schedule an appointment to donate visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800 RED CROSS.
