Bolivar Fire and Police Departments Battle for a Good Cause
Most battles are not friendly, but the Battle of the Badges, which was held in Bolivar pitting the City’s Fire and Police Departments against each other on Friday, December 13, 2024, was a friendly one. The two departments came together for a good cause, which was to promote blood donation for LIFELINE Blood Services out of Jackson, Tennessee.
“The Battle of the Badges is more than friendly competition – it is an opportunity for our police officers and firefighters to come together and promote awareness of the importance of donating blood, especially during this season of giving,” said City of Bolivar Fire Chief Lynn Price.
LIFELINE holds monthly blood drives, and the Battle of the Badges competition is held annually. According to Melinda Reid, Marketing Manager for LIFELINE, the Battle of the Badges event started in 2007 and the last battle in Bolivar was held in 2020.
“We serve 21 counties in West Tennessee and out of the 21 counties, 17 hospitals, numerous helicopter emergency transport systems, and one ground ambulance system, so you’re saving lives locally and you never know, that could be somewhere right here in Hardeman County. Each donation will impact up to three local patients’ lives,” said Ms. Reid, who noted Type O blood is the most ordered. “Through the Battle of the Badges in Bolivar, 873 lives have been saved since it started in 2007. It is a great opportunity to give the gift of life during a gift giving season.”
A special T-Shirt design was made for the Bolivar battle. Along with the Battle of the Badges events held throughout West Tennessee, LIFELINE has been holding its “12 Days of Christmas” promotion where local donors are entered into a drawing to win a $150 Walmart gift card. Simon’s Grill also contributed a $50 gift certificate for the local event as a giveaway. Mary D. Wright won the $150 gift card and Daniel Riviera, a first-time blood donor, won the $50 gift certificate.
“There were 36 participates, and 29 units of lifesaving blood were collected. In the past, the Fire Department has always won. This year, it was a tie,” said Ms. Reid.
“Every donation of blood has the potential to save numerous lives while offering hope to recipients and their families during their most critical moments in life. The Battle of the Badges is a fun and unique way for us, as first responders, and the community to come together for a great cause,” said City of Bolivar Police Chief Mike Jones.
“Donating blood is one of the simplest, yet most powerful ways to make a difference. It is the gift of life that only you can give. With the help of the community during one of these events, we are all saving lives, supporting local hospitals, and showing the true strength of our community,” said Chief Price.
If you were not able to donate during the annual event, you can still make a difference and contribute as a blood donor. You can give the gift of life by donating anytime either at the Jackson Center { 183 Sterling Farm Drive, Jackson, 38305 } or during a blood drive near you.
Read more local news by clicking here.
Stay informed on what’s happening in Hardeman County by following Hatchie Press on Facebook and subscribing to Hatchie Press e-mail updates.
Do you have community news you’d like to share? E-mail us at news@hatchiepress.com.
