Rapid City, S.D. – On Friday, Nov. 20, the South Dakota Wildland Fire and the South Dakota Highway Patrol will join forces with Vitalant to host the second annual “Pistons and Pulaskis Blood Drive.” The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Rapid City Outdoor Campus and adds a friendly rivalry to the life‑saving mission.
Friendly competition for a vital cause
Last year’s defending champion, Wildland Fire, hopes to retain the trophy, while the Highway Patrol aims to claim the top spot. Community members who donate blood can cast a vote for the organization they wish to support, turning a routine donation into a spirited contest.
“It’s a friendly competition between Wildland Fire and Highway Patrol, just to put on a blood drive, to sponsor a blood drive to help the community in the time of need, when donations are notoriously going low,” said Bill Cina, Bear Mountain Module superintendent.
Why the drive matters now
According to the American Red Cross, blood donations typically dip by about 20% during the winter and holiday season. First‑responders see the need for blood every day, from traffic‑related injuries to larger emergencies.
“Definitely responding to injury crashes, there is a lot going on, a lot of victims and patients might be losing a lot of blood,” explained Camen Max, a state trooper with the Highway Patrol. “Whether it’s a large amount or a little amount, donating blood can impact them in some sort of way.”
How to participate
Residents can sign up by visiting the “Pistons and Pulaskis 2026” Facebook page and clicking the blue link, or by calling Vitalant at 605‑381‑9577. All donors will receive a token of appreciation and the satisfaction of helping keep local hospitals stocked during a season when supplies often run low.
The event underscores the ongoing commitment of Rapid City’s first‑responders to protect and serve not only through emergency response but also by ensuring a steady blood supply for those in critical need.
Original reporting: KOTA (Gray) – local — read the source article.
