The Valdosta Fire and Police Departments will host their Annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., in the Valdosta City Hall Annex Multi-Purpose Room located at 300 N. Lee Street along with two LifeSouth Bloodmobiles in the parking lot.

The friendly inter-departmental competition, open to the public, seeks to aid the LifeSouth Community Blood Centers in its life-saving efforts. LifeSouth Community Blood Centers is the sole supplier of blood products to South Georgia Medical Center and has been serving the Valdosta community for over five years.

"As first responders, we dedicate our lives to helping the citizens and visitors of Valdosta," said Fire Chief Brian Boutwell. "This friendly competition empowers our community to play an important role in saving lives."

The City of Valdosta invites city employees, retirees, and the general public to respond to the call and give blood at this life-saving event. When blood donors arrive, city employees will ask which team they support for the competition, team firefighters, or team police.

"Our officers commit themselves daily to protecting our community, “said Chief of Police Leslie Manahan. "By giving blood, the community can aid us in being a critical part of life-saving emergencies."

Both chiefs expressed their desires for a large citizen turnout. The team that attracts the most donors will earn the coveted trophy and bragging rights. The other team will be required to wash several safety vehicles. When all's said and done, the LifeSouth Blood Community Centers and the recipients of the donations will be the true winners.