'Heroes Behind The Badges' Blood Drive

by Jill Johnson
December 28, 2012 5:14 PM


If you're still looking for ways to make a difference this holiday season, the Community Blood Bank is encouraging you to give the gift of life by rolling up your sleeve and donating a pint of blood.

That's exactly what Sioux Falls Police and Fire Rescue are doing. As a part of the 8th annual 'Heroes Behind The Badges' Campaign, the departments are competing to see who can recruit the most people to donate blood.

Last year, Sioux Falls Fire Rescue took home the title, and so far they're in the lead this year too. As of 4 o'clock Friday afternoon, Sioux Falls Fire Rescue had 165 units of blood compared to the Police Department's 162 units.

Ken Versteeg from Community Blood Bank said,"Each department comes up with neat little jabs each year. The police department says they've got a little secret weapon that they're not going to disclose right now. They're going to wait and see what happens until the end of the blood drive event on Jan. 4th and if they need it, they'll expose it and bring that out so they can get ahead of the game."

On Friday, the drive was taking place at Scheels All Sports in Sioux Falls but you can donate at both Avera McKennan or Sanford Hospitals. Those who donate will recieve a free t-shirt from the department of their choice.