Bellbrook firefighters and the Community Blood Center teamed up again this year to support the annual Battle of the Badges, drawing a record number of donations at the local drive.

Fifty-eight donors stopped by Bellbrook Fire Station 2 Saturday morning, and Community Blood Center officials collected a total of 47 units of blood.

Lieutenant Bill Beeman, who coordinated the department's effort, was extremely pleased by the turnout.

"Each year, we see more and more people stopping by to give what truly is the gift of life," he said.

The Battle of the Badges is a competition between fire, EMS and police departments across the Miami Valley. Donors can specify which department their donation is credited to when they donate at local drives or when donating at the Community Blood Center's downtown offices at 349 S. Main Street.

Making this year's event even more special is its dedication to Gary Haines, the former Montgomery County Sheriff who passed away earlier this year. Haines what a strong supporter of the Community Blood Center and the Battle of the Badges.

For more information on the Battle of the Badges, contact the Community Blood Center at (937)461-3450.

Release I00-07
August 1, 2000