Blood Drive A Chance To Back Boys & Girls In Blue (And Red)

Police and firefighters are out for blood, trying to recruit the most donors for the annual Battle of the Badges blood drive.

This year’s edition carries a special meaning, especially for men and women in blue.

Bridgitt Epperson has a compelling reason to join Team Law.

She explains, “My brother is a sergeant in Dallas, Texas.”

After seeing her brother lose friends in the attack on police in Dallas, donating blood is an easy way to honor them.

Epperson adds, “The events of the last couple weeks have shown that communities really need to stay together and support one another.”

Support and unity are the themes for the 10th Annual Battle of the Badges blood drive.

This year’s slogan is “Heroes Unite”, in honor of fallen Fargo Officer Jason Moszer.

His wife Rachel helped kick off the event.

Moszer says, “He gave his life protecting and serving this community and continued to save lives after his death through organ donation. This week I challenge you to do the same by donating.”

Police and firefighters want at least 800 people to donate.

They’ve never quite reached that goal, but there’s hope this year.

“In light of what’s going on in the nation today I think this will probably be a very big event,” predicts Assistant Fire Chief Leroy Skarloken.

This is technically a competition, but with everything happening with police forces both locally and around the country everyone is expected to be on the side of Team Law.

Skarloken adds, “I fully expect that we’re probably gonna lose this year and I’m fine with that.”

Police are grateful for the backing.

“It helps us by showing support, but it shows support for the community,” explains Officer Joe Johnson with Fargo Police.

People like Epperson are glad to give back in honor of those who sacrifice for us all.

She adds, “I’m nowhere near the hero the police departments and the fire departments are, but if there’s something I can do to help my community it seems like it should be something that I should be doing.”

If you want to step up and support team law or team fire, the Battle of the Badges blood drive runs from 11 am to 7 pm through Friday at the West Acres food court.