It's that time of year again in Janesville, when local heroes exchange fire hoses and squad cars for tourniquets and blood packets, all in the spirit of friendly competition and community service. The Janesville Fire Department and Janesville Police Department are pitted against each other for the 2026 iteration of the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive, set to take place on February 23 from noon to 6 p.m. at the Woodman’s Sports and Convention Center, according to a news release posted on Janesville's official website.
At the core of this charitable event is a partnership with the Rock River Valley Blood Center (RRVBC), whose aim is to bolster local blood supplies. Those who participate in giving blood can look forward to a sweet treat, as every donor will score a coupon for a free pint of Culver’s custard, as long as supplies hold out. To become part of this lifesaving effort, appointments can be scheduled by calling (815) 965-8751 or reaching out to JFD Administrative Assistant Ashley Leick via email at [email protected], as stated in the same news release.
The Battle of the Badges event is held annually to encourage community participation and promote blood donation. The event allows residents to support local first responders through a friendly competition. According to RRVBC, maintaining adequate blood supply levels remains a priority, particularly during the winter months when donations typically decline.
For more information about the event, potential donors may contact (608) 755-3050 or visit the Janesville Fire Department’s Facebook page for updates and additional details about the blood drive and related department activities. The event is intended to support local blood banks and encourage community participation.
