‘We’re all happy to be here’: C.O. first responders, supporters donate blood for the Battle of the Badges
(Update: Adding video, comments from Bend Police, American Red Cross)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Donors from around Central Oregon rolled up their sleevesĀ for the American Red Cross on Monday, taking part in the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive at the Bend Police Department.
"It's always important to be giving blood, if you're able," Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller said. "We have a crisis, needs for blood pretty much all the time, here andĀ thenĀ nationwide."
"I think especially since the fires down in L.A. right now," she added. "This is a nice way for people to feel like they're doing something useful and making a difference."
It was a friendly competition betweenĀ Bend firefighters, police officers, Deschutes County sheriff's deputies and DCSO Search and Rescue volunteers.
It wasĀ a contest to see how many donors each organization could get to come and donate blood.
Miller said, "I donated blood today, and I did it in honor of Bend PD. I support everybody who does it for any agency. But obviously, I want the police department to win and hold the title for the next couple of months."
BloodĀ donations help save lives -Ā and the need is great. With the L.A. fires, Bend Fire and Rescue said more than 400 blood drives have been canceled.Ā
Red Cross phlebotomist, Victoria Soprano said, "We are collecting blood today to kind of make up for those. L.A. is a really populated area, and like, every three seconds, somebody needs blood. So it's very important that we get a lot of extra blood in other regions."
People volunteering and donating blood were eager to assist.Ā
Soprano said, "We're all happy to be here. This is all volunteer, and nobody gets paid to come in here and donate or anything like that. So it's great that everyone's in a good mood and happy to be here, saving lives."
Bend Fire claimed victoryĀ in the last battle last fall.Ā For the first blood drive of 2025, the winner was theĀ Bend Police Department.Ā
If you want to donate blood, you can schedule a futureĀ appointment on the Red Cross Blood Services website.