Rescue workers competing for blood drive donations in December

Columbus and Bartholomew County emergency workers will be having a friendly competition next month to drive blood donations and raise money for charity.

Police, deputies, firefighters and medics in Columbus and Bartholomew County will be working with Versiti Blood Center of Indiana for Battle of the Badges blood drive on Friday, December 5th at Nexus Park. Blood donors will be asked to vote for the badge of their favorite agency. After the votes are tallied, the winning agency will receive a trophy and a monetary donation will be made to their pre-chosen not for profit group through Versiti Blood Center’s “Our Mission to Yours” program.

Capt. Mike Wilson spokesman for the Columbus Fire Department said that the “The real winner of this battle will be those who receive the blood needed to save a life.

Participating agencies will include Columbus Police and Fire departments, Columbus Regional Health Ambulance Service, and Bartholomew County’s 911 Dispatch Center, Sheriff’s Office and the Emergency Management Agency.

Each agency will also have an informational table and there will be a kids activity area.

The blood drive will be from 11 to 4 p.m. on Friday Dec. 5th at the Community Cafe in Nexus Park on 25th Street.

Walk ins are welcome or you can schedule your donation time by going to the Versiti Blood Center website at Versiti.org