‘Battle of the Badges’ competition collects blood for those in need

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Two public safety agencies in Wilmington were busy giving blood on Thursday for a good cause. 

The Wilmington Fire and police departments went head-to-head to see which agency could collect the most blood donations for the American Red Cross.  

The winner of the competition—known as the Battle of the Badges—receives a trophy for their donations.  

But Police Lieutenant Greg Willett and Fire Department Spokeswoman Rebecca Thurston said the friendly competition is about more than just winning. 

“We’ll be proud to take home the trophy, that’s cool always, but regardless, you know, if they do win this year that’s fine. Because in the end, the people who need the blood are the winners,” Willett said. 

“It’s awesome to win, but it’s really not about that. It’s about the blood shortage that we have in the country and in the community, and it’s about coming together as one public safety family and supporting our community,” Thurston added. 

The winner of this year’s Battle of the Badges is The Wilmington Fire Department with 46 life-saving units of blood.