The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) has thrown down the gauntlet to their fellow first responders in a fight that none can object to: the Battle of the Badges blood donation contest. The LAFD, along with the LAPD and the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department, have been squaring off since January in what has been billed as the largest blood drive brawl among public safety agencies nationwide.
In a show of solidarity, the departments are locked in a friendly annual face-off to rack up the highest number of blood donors. Running through January, February, and March, the competition is more than just about bragging rights—it's a call to the community to step up and save lives. Encouraging the public to join Team LAFD, the drive has so far amassed over 50,000 units of blood since its inception in 2007, LAFD reports.
Donation appointments are going quickly, but those looking to give blood can make one using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS with the sponsor code BOB24. Donors to the Battle of the Badges are rewarded not only with the satisfaction of helping out but also a commemorative t-shirt, available while they last, informs the LAFD.
There's still time to contribute to the bloodshed in the most humane way possible. The remaining Battle of the Badges Community Blood Drives at Fire Station 5 and Fire Station 87 are scheduled on March 18 and 23, respectively. After a successful stint last year, which saw 2,500 units of blood collected, this year's goal looms larger at 3,000 units. The LAFD urges the public to "roll up your sleeve alongside the men and women" dedicated to saving lives every day in the line of duty, according to their announcement.
