The 2013 Battle of the Badges winner will be announced at halftime of Saturday’s Fort Hays State University men’s basketball game, scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.

According to the American Red Cross, just a few votes separated first and second place of the annual contest, which raises awareness of the importance of donating blood.

The presentation will be part of First Responders Appreciation Day, sponsored by Equity Bank.

“We thank Equity Bank for partnering with us as we show our appreciation to our first responders for protecting our community,” said FHSU Assistant Athletic Director Tim Callahan. “We hope this event will be well attended by our local civic organizations and is something we can continue to do in conjunction with FHSU basketball.”

Local police, fire and EMS personnel can receive two free tickets to the games, which begin at 2 and 4 p.m. Saturday.

Tickets are for the upper level of Gross Memorial Coliseum. For questions or more information, call (785) 628-4050.