MADISON, Ala. (WHNT) — On any given day, the Madison Police Department and Madison Fire Department may work together at a house fire, wreck or any number of things. In those moments, they’re working on the same team. Wednesday, however, they competed against one another.
“We are in the business of saving lives,” said Dan Pickens. “We do well with getting on scene and helping get the patient packaged and getting them to a hospital, so we thought, why not partner to help them once they get to the hospital by giving blood?”
That’s why the two departments are hosting the “Boots and Badges” summer blood drive.
It’s a competition to raise awareness and the number of donations for Lifesouth Blood Center.
“I think as public servants, both our fire and police really see the need for this in our community,” said Samantha Magnuson.
While Wednesday is all about some friendly competition, the reality is that there is a desperate need for blood every day.
“We can’t make blood, so we have to rely on our donors to be able to donate blood so we can supply the hospital,” said Lindsey Lee. She is a recruiter with Lifesouth.
These men and women see firsthand what it looks like when someone is in critical need.
“Every day we deal with people who need blood, and we have HEMSI who has blood through their ambulances once they’re on the transport, but if there’s no blood in the blood banks, then there’s nothing to give once they get there,” said Pickens.
Although no matter which team you’re donating to today, the ultimate winner is the life you save.
“If you think about making sure that your family is taken care of in need of crisis, this is a way to support that someone who is in crisis and needs that help,” said Magnuson.
Pickens said this was the first Boots and Badges blood donation event, but they are planning to have a recurring donation event in the future.
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