Annual 'boots v. badges' blood drive kicks off
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Members of AFD and APD are rolling up their sleeves for bragging rights.
The annual 'Boots versus Badges' blood drive kicked off Sunday. The competition pits police officers against firefighters for a little friendly competition. The event also helps raise community awareness about the serious need for blood donors during the summer months.
The importance of donors hits close to home for the fire department.
"This is really personal for us because back in 2000 we had a critically injured firefighter that needed blood and since then, we've really had a personal relationship with the blood and tissue center,” Batt. Chief Thayer Smith said.
This is the fifth year for the event. Last year the Austin Fire Department took home the win.
The public can also get involved by giving blood through July 14, and throwing their vote behind either the police or fire department. For more information log on to inyourhands.org and enter sponsor code: bootsversusbadges.