On October 19, the annual Battle of the Badges blood‑drive returned to Peace Lutheran Church in Beavercreek, Ohio. Hosted by Versiti, the friendly competition pits the Beavercreek Police Department (BPD) against the Beavercreek Township Fire Department (BTFD) to see which first‑responder team can bring in the most donors.
Police department takes the win
Team BPD emerged victorious with a score of 34 donations, while Team BTFD contributed 22. The final tally of 78 donors not only secured the police department’s win but also helped the church achieve its goal of 70 donors, a milestone that coincided with the congregation’s 70th anniversary.
History of the friendly rivalry
The Battle of the Badges began in 2014 as a way to encourage community members to give blood while fostering camaraderie between local first‑responders. Since its inception, each team has claimed six victories, underscoring the evenly matched spirit of the event.
Community impact
Blood donations collected during the drive will be processed by Versiti, a nonprofit blood services organization that supplies hospitals throughout the region. Each unit of blood can save up to three lives, making the contributions of the 78 donors a tangible benefit for patients in need across Ohio.
Thank you from first responders
Both the police and fire departments publicly thanked volunteers, church members, and local residents for their generosity. “Every pint donated brings us closer to saving a life,” said a spokesperson for the Beavercreek Police Department. The fire department echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in public‑health initiatives.
Looking ahead
Organizers hope the event will continue to grow, inviting more local businesses, schools, and civic groups to participate in future years. The partnership with Versiti and the ongoing support from Peace Lutheran Church demonstrate how faith‑based organizations and public‑service agencies can work together for the common good.
Residents who missed the October 19 event can still schedule appointments with Versiti’s local donation centers. Information on upcoming drives is available on the Versiti website and through the Beavercreek Police Department’s social‑media channels.
Original reporting: WHIO-TV Dayton (local) — read the source article.
