Waco, TX – Waco Police Department, the McLennan County Sheriff’s Office and the Waco Fire Department are once again encouraging residents to roll up their sleeves and donate blood as part of this year’s Battle of the Badges competition.
The annual event, organized in partnership with Carter BloodCare, challenges local public safety agencies to see which department can collect the most blood donations and earn the coveted Battle of the Badges trophy and yearlong bragging rights.
Residents can donate on behalf of their favorite agency through Aug. 29 by visiting the Carter BloodCare Waco Donor Center or participating in scheduled blood drives throughout the campaign.
The Waco Police Department has been actively promoting the competition on social media, encouraging community members to donate blood and cast their votes in support of the department.
“Donate blood. Save a life. And vote for Waco PD!” the department said in a recent post.
The campaign officially kicked off Saturday with a mobile blood drive held at Bass Pro Shops, located at 2700 Marketplace Drive. Officers from the Waco Police Department joined firefighters and deputies at the event, which ran from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
As an added incentive, blood donors who participated in the kickoff event received two tickets to a Texas Rangers game while supplies lasted.
While appointments are encouraged, organizers said walk-ins are welcome and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. However, scheduled appointments will receive priority.
According to Carter BloodCare, a single blood donation can help multiple patients, including people undergoing surgery, cancer treatments and emergency medical care. Blood donations also play an essential role in maintaining adequate supplies for hospitals throughout Texas.
The Battle of the Badges competition gives residents an opportunity to support local law enforcement officers, firefighters and sheriff’s deputies while also helping replenish the region’s blood supply.
Community members who want to participate can donate at any time through Aug. 29 and designate which agency should receive credit for their donation.
The winning department will receive the Battle of the Badges trophy and, perhaps more importantly, the bragging rights that come with outperforming fellow first responders.
Officials are encouraging residents to schedule appointments in advance, although those who decide to donate without an appointment will still have an opportunity to participate as space becomes available.
The Waco Police Department said the message behind the competition remains simple: donate blood, save lives and support local first responders.
