LAW ENFORCEMENT & EMERGENCY AGENCIES’ CHIEFS GATHER TO KICK OFF
11th ANNUAL BATTLE OF THE BADGES
BLOOD DRIVE ON MAY 7TH!
WHO WILL TAKE HOME THE TITLE?

 

Local law enforcement agencies and emergency personnel compete to save lives through blood donations.  The public is invited to donate in support and vote for their favorite badge-carrying entity.

AND,

Monday, May 7 through Saturday, May 19, 2012

Donate at mobile drives around Fresno & Madera Counties and at
the following Central California Blood Center locations:

 

JEDC                              Fresno                             North Fresno

4343 W. Herndon Ave      3445 N. First St.               8094 N. Cedar Ave.

M-TH 8a-6:30p, F 8a-6p   M-Th 8a-6:30p, F 8a-6p   M-Th 8a-6:30p, F 8a-6p,

CENTRAL VALLEY, CA – The men and women who put their lives on the line everyday to ensure our safety, are once again, facing off in a friendly competition to save lives by giving of themselves, literally, and donating blood.  It is all part of the 9^th Annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive.  This year, Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims and Reedley Police Chief Steve Wright are encouraging donors to also give in honor of two fallen officers: Deputy Joel Walhenmaier and Officer Javier Bejar.  As in past years, Firefighters, Police, Forestry, Sheriff, Corrections, Fish & Game, Highway Patrol and other badge-carrying emergency personnel will compete for bragging rights, and a perpetual trophy. This year’s drive will have added significance because the drive and the donor T shirts will honor the two officers. The blood drive will take place beginning Monday, May 10 and continue through Saturday, May 22 at Central California Blood Centers in Central Fresno, NW Fresno and NE Fresno.  In addition, mobile drives will be held across Fresno and Madera Counties for those who can not make it in to a donor center (click here for mobile drive information).  The public is invited to participate.
All donors will receive a commemorative 9^th Annual North Valley Battle of the Badges T-shirt and a variety of donor reward coupons.  

“Traditionally, this drive has been a time of camaraderie for all who come out to give,” states Dean Eller, President and CEO for the Central California Blood Center. “Not only are members of these organizations donating blood, but friends, family and the community at-large can join in the good natured competition  while helping save lives. This year the drive has an even deeper meaning and we are especially grateful to all who participate and to also honor the two officers who gave so very much.” 

Last year’s perpetual trophy for “Highest Percentage of Donors” (versus number of employees) went to California Department of Fish and Game, and the Fresno Police Department received the perpetual trophy for “Most Donations Overall” – its 6^th win in a row!  Also, the State Center Community College Police Department won in the under 20 employee’s category.  All three trophies will, again, be awarded to the winners of this year’s event.

An additional category for “Most Donations from a Correctional Facility,” brings fierce competition between administration and personnel from Pleasant Valley State Prison in Coalinga, Coalinga State Hospital Central, California Women’s Facility and Valley State Prison, in Chowchilla.

Blood donation takes less than one hour to complete. Donors must be in good general health, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old (16 years old with written parental consent). Senior citizens are encouraged to donate, as there is no upper age limit. Donors should eat a good meal and drink plenty of water within 4 hours prior to their donation. Donors can give blood every eight weeks. Photo ID and Social Security Number are required at donor registration.

The Central California Blood Center is the sole provider of blood and blood products for the 31 hospitals in Fresno, Tulare, Madera, Kings and Mariposa Counties and must collect between 5,000 to 6,000 pints of blood a month to meet the needs of our Valley community.