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Provo Police and Fire officials pose with the American Red Cross Battle of the Badges trophy on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, in Provo.

Courtesy American Red Cross

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Police and fire ballots are pictured at an American Red Cross blood drive on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, in Provo.

Jacob Nielson, Daily Herald

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The American Red Cross Battle of the Badges trophy is shown on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, in Provo.

Jacob Nielson, Daily Herald

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Provo firefighters and police officers squared off in a friendly competition last week to encourage community members to donate blood.

People offered their blood at the American Red Cross blood drive Thursday at Provo City Library and chose which emergency department they wanted to support by placing a red or blue ticket into jars representing fire and police.

By the end of the drive, the red jar had the most tickets, marking Provo Fire and Rescue as the victors of the inaugural Battle of the Badges — though the true winners were patients in need of blood, as the Red Cross announced 88 units were collected throughout the day.

“We are so thankful for the amazing support from the Provo community and the enthusiastic participation of both Provo Fire and Rescue and the Provo Police Department,” said Benjamin Donner, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Central and Southern Utah Chapter in a release. “This friendly competition has not only strengthened our local blood supply but also proved how deeply our community cares about helping others.”

Thursday’s event saw a steady stream of participants, including a handful of firefighters and policemen who wanted to join in the cause.

American Red Cross representative Gabby Morales told the Daily Herald that every blood donation that was given saves up to three lives. That blood will go to trauma units, patients with blood diseases and newborns.

“It’s a very good cause, and it’s a really good thing,” Morales said. “We’re saving lives, especially with things that are happening, like the fires or disasters.”

The Red Cross supplies 40% of the nation’s blood, according to the organization, supporting over 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers.

People with type O and type B negative blood are particularly urged by Red Cross to donate, because type O is compatible with 85% of patients and type B negative is found in less than 2% of the population.