The Oconee County Fire Rescue is taking on the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office.
The Red Cross is sponsoring a blood drive at the Civic Center Tuesday. While employees at both agencies are donating blood for the Battle of the Badges, Karla Hulsey, EMA-EMS Coordinator says area residents are invited to come out, pick a side and give blood.
“I understand that the Red Cross right now, they’re in dire need of blood,” Hulsey said. “I talked to a young lady at the Red Cross and we have challenged the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office to a Battle of the Badges to see who can give the most blood.”
Hulsey says the competition is friendly, so no matter which badge you support, it’s a win-win situation.
“We’re asking everybody to come give and support either the Fire Department or the Sheriff’s Office, whichever, as long as you give because in the end, the Red Cross and the folks will win the battle.”
The blood drive runs from 12 to 6 pm at the Oconee County Civic Center.
“You can sign up early or you can just show up and give and tell them you want to give for the Fire Department or you want to give to the Sheriff’s Office, either way.”
The Red Cross says blood supplies often drop during the summer since many blood drives are held at high schools and colleges. The agency is trying to boost the number of regular donors since only three of every 100 Americans donate blood.