First ever Battle of the Badges starts next Tuesday; Blood donated helps meet high needs for summer months

First ever Battle of the Badges starts next Tuesday; Blood donated helps meet high needs for summer months

ROCK SPRINGS – Local first responders can usually been seen working hard to keep the community safe. Next week, these same groups will be competing against each other but the the same common theme of helping the community.

The 2015 Battle of the Badges Competition will get underway June 16 and will continue June 17. Residents can donate from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday and again from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday. All donations will take place at the Rock Springs Community Center – the old senior center in downtown Rock Springs.

Residents can sign up to donate by calling 1-800-456-7057 or online at www.bloodhero.com to make an appointed. Online uses sign up with the sponsor code rsbadges. Residents can save time by completing health history at www.untiedbloodservices.org.

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Once residents come in and donate, they will be given a ticket. There will be several drop boxes with the names of Rock Springs Police Department, Rock Springs Fire Department, Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office, Sweetwater County Fire District No. 1 and Sweetwater Medics. Donors will then drop the ticket in their choice of department they would like to support.

All those who donate will receive a free t-shirt and will also be entered to win great prizes. While the department with the most tickets win, the real winner is those who need it most. Sandy Thomas of United Blood Services said the blood donated at the Battle of the Badges will go to help fill hospital shelves during the crucial summer months when demands can be extreme.

Thomas said those donating should eat and drink well before coming down to donate but the most important thing is to donate.