By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post
The 12th annual Battle of the Badges began Thursday at the Blood Donation Center, 208 E. Eighth.
The American Red Cross community blood drive challenges local police, fire and emergency medical services workers to pump up blood donations in their agency’s name.
According to Red Cross spokeswoman Cathy Younger, the friendly competition traditionally begins in December and ends after the New Year — a time donations tend to run low during the busy holiday season.
All fire departments in Ellis County including the Hays Fire Department and the Ellis County Rural Firefighters won the Battle last year, along with the trophy and bragging rights.
In the past 11 years, Ellis County EMS has won the trophy five times.
EMS Director Kerry McCue hopes to regain the trophy this year.
“We try to tell (the public) vote for us because we are the good guys — we don’t give you tickets,” McCue joked. “In all honesty … people need blood all year round. The public safety personnel give each other a hard time about it, but what a great cause.”
HPD Sgt. Ron Rounkles said although the HPD does not “keep score” he claims there is a good reason the EMS has won the battle the most times.
“A lot of our officers donate, and I am pretty confident a lot of our officers voted for the EMS because they give us blood in case we need it, so why not pat the dog — and absolutely we will continue to do that,” Rounkles smiled as McCue laughed.
“We win every year and everyone’s a winner,” he said. “So keeping score? Let someone else do that.”
According to Younger, the HPD has won twice in the last 11 years and HFD has won four times.
Anyone who donates blood now through Jan. 3 will receive a free T-shirt and a chance to win a recliner donated by Ashley Furniture in Hays.
Donations are taken at the Hays Blood Donation Center, Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The center will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 3.
Younger said walk-ins are always welcome but it is best to schedule an appointment to avoid wait times by calling (800) RED-CROSS or visiting redcrossblood.org.
Blood Drives are also located during business hours at the following businesses by appointment only:
– Dec. 12: Golden Plains Credit Union, 2720 Broadway Avenue, 785- 628-1007
– Dec. 15: Hays Rotary, contact 785-625-6542
– Dec. 17: Thomas-More Prep Marian, 1701 Hall Street, 785-625-6577
– Dec. 23: Midwest Energy, 1330 Canterbury Drive, 785- 625-3437
– Dec. 26: Younger Family, contact 1-800-733-2767