The 21st annual Battle of the Badges blood drive was held on Thursday and Friday at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Manhattan with Manhattan Fire Department taking home the title with 68 votes, their third championship in four years.
Turnout was solid once more this year on Thursday. Kristi Ingalls with the American Red Cross said they came up about 14 people short on Thursday of their goal.
“Our goal is to get around 170 donations” said Ingalls. “We hope we can achieve that.”
The Battle of the Badges had a number of giveaways such as a commemorative shirt that early donors could receive. The Red Cross also was giving away a new Ram Truck.
First responders were making their pitches for people to vote for them too at the competition.
“Who’s usually the first out to the scene when you call 911?” asked corrections officer Jordan Drake. “The police! So vote for them.”
Manhattan Fire Department holds the most titles in the blood drive’s history, although RCPD is currently the reigning champions. Several firemen were out on Thursday trying to persuade people for their votes.
“Fire trucks are cooler than ambulances and cop cars and we have the best mustaches,” said Greg who is with the Manhattan Fire Department. “In all seriousness though, even if we don’t win, I’m just proud of the community for coming out and helping.”
