A phlebolomist prepares the equipment to begin taking a patron's blood at the Battle of the Badge blood drive Tuesday in Carson City.
The United Blood Services held its annual Battle of the Badges blood drive Tuesday in Carson City.
The blood drive was a friendly competition between the Carson City Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department to see who could donate the most blood. Patrons could choose which organization they wanted their donation points to go toward, with a trophy and bragging rights as the prize for the winning department. The fire department won with 40 points to the sheriff’s office’s 33.
Anita Stoelton decided to give her points toward the Fire Department to try to give back to a department that has helped her personally.
“I love to help out, and I went with the Fire Department because they have helped us out a few times,” Stoelton said.
For others, the decision was a little harder to make.
“I chose the sheriff’s department, but it was a tough decision,” said Vickie Purcell. “I (went with) the sheriff’s department because my family went to the motors competition this weekend and really enjoyed it. It was a hard choice, I just wanted to pick both.”
The goal was to stock up on blood for the coming 4th of July weekend.