A friendly competition is underway to see which local agency takes home bragging rights during the annual Battle of the Badges blood drive.
The competition began Wednesday at Twelfth Avenue Baptist Church, pitting Emporia Fire/EMS officials against Emporia Police and the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office for the trophy. Red Cross spokesperson Susan Faler says early on the turnout has been good.
Through the drive’s first day, a goal was set of 126 pints. That goal was smashed as 135 pints of blood were collected. Faler says that total can save up to 405 lives. It’s a big step as the Red Cross looks to address its blood emergency noted since Memorial Day weekend.
Emporia Police Officer Dominick Vortherms says he’s hopeful that law enforcement will take home the coveted battle trophy for the third straight year.
Emporia Police Officer Dominick Vortherms says he’s hopeful that law enforcement will take home the coveted battle trophy for the third straight year.
Emporia Fire and EMS officials are hoping to add to their 7-6 lead since the competition began in 2005. Fire Captain Ryan Schmidt explains why people should vote for the fire department.
Faler adds that Emporian Judy Moore has made two quilts with past Battle of the Badges t-shirts for two of the agencies to take with them after the competition.
Battle of the Badges continues from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday. Appointments are strongly encouraged and can be done by visiting redcrossblood.org or by calling 800-RED-CROSS.