First responders to hold blood drive

June 19, 2018 at 4:12 a.m. | Updated June 19, 2018 at 4:08 a.m.

Callaway County Deputy Rick Hughes, participating with Fulton Police, displays the winning trophy while donating blood at the Fulton Police Department in 2017. The annual Battle of the Badges netted the Fulton Fraternal Order of the Police bragging rights for the third year in a row. When making a donation, the donor casts a vote for police, fire or EMS and the most votes wins. Pictured with Hughes are American Red Cross Account Manager Jennifer Books and Collection Supervisor Levi Lowther.
Callaway County Deputy Rick Hughes, participating with Fulton Police, displays the winning trophy while donating blood at the Fulton Police Department in 2017. The annual Battle of the Badges netted the Fulton Fraternal Order of the Police bragging rights for the third year in a row. When making a donation, the donor casts a vote for police, fire or EMS and the most votes wins. Pictured with Hughes are American Red Cross Account Manager Jennifer Books and Collection Supervisor Levi Lowther.

It's a battle, every year.

Fulton's fire, police and EMS personnel are on a mission to help save lives every day, but on Friday, an element of competition will occur.

The Battle of the Badges blood drive is an annual friendly competition to see who can recruit the most eligible blood donors to join them in this lifesaving effort. The community is encouraged to give blood 2-7 p.m. JFriday at the Fulton Police Department's community room, 935 U.S. Business 54. All presenting donors will receive a special Battle of the Badges t-shirt.

The need for blood is constant, according to Jennifer L. Books, account manager for the American Red Cross in Columbia. Joining first responders to donate at this special event can help ensure blood is on the shelves before it is needed, she said.

To make an appointment or to learn more, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code BattleBadgesFulton or call 1-800-733-2767.

Completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire found at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass is encouraged to help speed up the donation process. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.