Battle of the Badges Blood Drive returns with Wilmington police, fire competing for donation

Wilmington, NC (WWAY) — Wilmington police and firefighters are preparing to compete for a cause as the annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive returns.

The event pits the Wilmington Police Department against the Wilmington Fire Department in a friendly competition to collect blood donations for the American Red Cross.

Community members who participate can donate on behalf of either department. The department credited with collecting the most pints of blood will win the Battle of the Badges title.

Wilmington Fire has won the competition for the past three years by collecting the most donations.

Organizers hope the rivalry will encourage more people to donate blood while supporting the American Red Cross.