ONSLOW COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) – A battle between law enforcement and firefighters took place Thursday, but all for a good cause.
“Firefighters and police officers know firsthand the importance of donating blood, and when you see them coming out, that usually inspires community members to help us,” American Red Cross Coordinator Stacey Spencer said.
It’s Jacksonville’s second annual Battle of the Badges blood drive for the American Red Cross at the Commons Recreation Center.
Dozens of residents and first responders arrived Thursday to donate blood, many doing so to continue helping the community they serve.
“For me personally, we go to these call-for-service and we see some of these injuries that these people are having and seeing how important it is for them to get better, and they need blood to get better. So being able to play a small part in that is pretty cool,” Jacksonville Police Lt. Vanessa Smith said.
But as people voted for their favorite agency, Jacksonville Fire seemed like they were in the lead to take home the trophy, but regardless of the winner, both agencies say the true winners are those they’re helping.
“We do have this ongoing rivalry but it looks like we’re ahead from what I heard, so we’ll see. But either way, it’s for a good cause and collectively we can contribute as best as we can,” Jacksonville Fire community risk reduction specialist Rick Lazo said.
The goal is to collect 150 units of blood, but even though they didn’t meet the goal and received 131 units, the Red Cross says that every unit counts, especially for this time of the year.
“We need to keep those shelves stocked because there’s more accidents and more trauma in the summer and if donations are down, it makes it hard to be ready for patients’ needs,” Spencer said.
Jacksonville Police were announced the winner of the Battle of the Badges, winning by just one vote 77 to 76, against Jacksonville Fire.
If you’re interested in donating blood, make sure to click here.
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