The Valdosta Fire and Police Departments will host Battle of the Badges—Guns vs. Hoses—Blood Drive, on Thursday, July 31, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the Valdosta City Hall Annex Multi-Purpose Room, located at 300 N. Lee Street.

The friendly interdepartmental competition seeks to aid the American Red Cross in their life-saving efforts.

“Saving lives is what we do,” said Valdosta Fire Chief Freddie Broome.  “This competitive blood drive allows us to have a little fun while contributing to a vital need in our community.”

City employees, retirees, and their family members and friends, as well as members of the general public, are invited to give the gift of life at the event. Blood donors will be asked when they arrive which team they support for the competition. 

“At the end of the day, it’s not about which team wins,” said Valdosta Chief of Police Brian Childress.  “It’s really about ‘Team Valdosta’ pitching in to help our own in times when people need us the most.”

Both chiefs expressed their desires for a large citizen turnout.  The team who attracts the most donors—either the Guns or the Hoses—will earn bragging rights and a trophy.  The other team will be required to wash a number of safety vehicles.  When all’s said and done, the American Red Cross and the recipients of the donations will be the true winners.

Registration is encouraged but not required.  To make an appointment, citizens may visit www.redcrossblood.org, and enter keyword: cityval.  For more information, call the Valdosta Fire Department at (229) 333-1835 or the Valdosta Police Department at (229) 293-3102.