ONSLOW COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) – A battle between law enforcement and firefighters took place Thursday, but all for a good cause. <\/p>\n
\u201cFirefighters 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,\u201d American Red Cross Coordinator Stacey Spencer said. <\/p>\n
It\u2019s Jacksonville\u2019s second annual Battle of the Badges blood drive for the American Red Cross at the Commons Recreation Center. <\/p>\n
Dozens of residents and first responders arrived Thursday to donate blood, many doing so to continue helping the community they serve. <\/p>\n
\u201cFor 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,\u201d Jacksonville Police Lt. Vanessa Smith said. <\/p>\n
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\u2019re helping. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe do have this ongoing rivalry but it looks like we\u2019re ahead from what I heard, so we\u2019ll see. But either way, it\u2019s for a good cause and collectively we can contribute as best as we can,\u201d Jacksonville Fire community risk reduction specialist Rick Lazo said. <\/p>\n
The goal is to collect 150 units of blood, but even though they didn\u2019t meet the goal and received 131 units, the Red Cross says that every unit counts, especially for this time of the year. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to keep those shelves stocked because there\u2019s more accidents and more trauma in the summer and if donations are down, it makes it hard to be ready for patients\u2019 needs,\u201d Spencer said. <\/p>\n
Jacksonville Police were announced the winner of the Battle of the Badges, winning by just one vote 77 to 76, against Jacksonville Fire. <\/p>\n