Battle of the Badges Blood Drive | Video

Michelle San Miguel | 9/9/2012

They work side by side on a regular basis, but this week police officers and firefighters are going head to head in a friendly competition. United Blood Services is hosting its sixth annual Battle of the Badges blood drive competition. It`s a three-day blood drive at Kirkwood Mall.

A spokesperson with United Blood Services says fewer people donate blood during the summer, so an event like this helps ensure the agency has enough blood supply. Since 2007, more than 1,500 people have donated blood at Battle of the Badges. About 30 percent of them are first-time blood donors.

"We work with them every day but anytime we get a chance to beat them we`ll go ahead and take that opportunity," said Capt. Matt Wilke of the Bismarck Fire Department.

Donors get to decide if they want their donation to count on behalf of Team Fire or Team Law. Blood donors must be at least 16-years-old and in good health.
The blood drive is being held in the Scheels Courtyard in Kirkwood Mall. The drive runs Monday through Wednesday from noon to 7:00 p.m.

COMMENT ON THIS STORY