This year’s Battle of the Badges will feel a bit different, but four local fire districts will team up once again to host Red Cross blood drives.
The Battle of the Badges annually pits local fire districts against each other to see which one can attract the most blood donors for a year of bragging rights.
To try to top the others in the competition, districts have offered food and sometimes live music to entice donors to come to their blood drives.
However, because of concerns about the spread of COVID-19, district officials say this year they will keep the focus on the blood drive itself.
Cedar Hill Fire Protection District Chief Mick Fischer the most important thing is people come out and donate. Fischer said those running the event will wear face masks and other steps will be taken to ensure everyone’s safety.
“We just want to reassure everyone that it is safe to come give blood,” he said.
The matchups for this year’s battle will pit Cedar Hill Fire against the Hillsboro Fire Protection district, and the Eureka Fire Protection District against the High Ridge Fire Protection District.
■ Hillsboro’s blood drive will be from 2-7 p.m. today (Aug. 19) at the Hillsboro Community Civic Center, 10349 Business 21.
■ Eureka’s blood drive will be from 2-7 p.m. Thursday (Aug. 20) at its training center, 18765 Old Hwy 66, Pacific.
■ Cedar Hill’s blood drive will be 2-7 p.m. Friday (Aug. 21) at the Big River VFW, 1 Lynn Lane, Cedar Hill.
■ High Ridge’s blood drive will be 2-7 p.m. Monday (Aug. 31) at its headquarters, 2842 High Ridge Blvd.
The matchups are the same as last year, when Hillsboro topped Cedar Hill, and Eureka collected more blood than High Ridge.
Eureka Fire public information officer Scott Barthelmass said his department plans to repeat.
“We are trying to retain that title we won last year, and we will win again,” he said.
High Ridge Engineer John Barton said he believes his department will claim bragging rights this year.
“We are going to surprise Eureka when the underdog comes out on top,” he said. “It's some good-natured fun between two agencies. It’s all about addressing some of the blood shortages the Red Cross is experiencing right now.”
Hillsboro Fire Chief Brian Gaudet said he hopes the district wins again this year, and he said those who donate will be offered pizza.
“The Red Cross is always in great need; we are here to help the community,” he said. “We are hopefully looking to retain our title.”
The Red Cross will give a $5 Amazon gift card to anyone who donates blood, platelets or plasma through Sept. 3.
“We are extremely grateful to these fire stations for their continued support of the Red Cross Blood Services especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Joe Zydlo, Missouri-Illinois Red Cross Blood Services external communications manager. “These blood drives will ensure that blood is available, and on the shelves, when it is needed.”
