The Valdosta Fire and Police Departments will host the annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive on Wednesday, July 28, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., in the City Hall Annex Multipurpose Room, located at 300 North Lee Street.

The friendly inter-departmental competition, which is open to the public, seeks to aid the American Red Cross in their life-saving efforts.

"Saving lives is what we do,” Valdosta Fire Chief Brian Boutwell said. “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,” Valdosta Chief of Police Leslie Manahan said. “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 that attracts the most donors will earn bragging rights and the coveted trophy. When all’s said and done, the American Red Cross and the recipients of the donations will be the true winners.

For more information, call the Valdosta Fire Department at (229) 333-1836 or the Valdosta Police Department at (229) 293-3102.