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BEAVERCREEK POLICE LOCK UP ‘BATTLE OF BADGES’ TROPHY

October 25, 2022

BEAVERCREEK, Ohio - Beavercreek Police slapped the cuffs on the "Beavercreek Battle of the Badges Blood Drive" trophy and locked it up for another year. They won bragging rights over the rival Beavercreek Township Fire Department with a majority vote of 48-30 blood donors Oct. 24 at Peace Lutheran Church.

Everyone who registered to donate at the eighth annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive could cast a vote for their favorite public safety team. The blood drive totaled 89 donors, including 80 whole blood donors and nine platelet and plasma donors.

With back-to-back blood drive wins, Beavercreek Police have now tied the series at four wins apiece.

"We were nervous, we thought Fire was going to win," said BPD Community Engagement Officer Kris Brownlee, "but ultimately, the winner is the big turnout we had."

Beavercreek Township Road Dept. Administrative Professional Tori King coordinates the blood drive with volunteers from the Beavercreek Township Fire Department Auxiliary.

"Typically, it brings out firefighter families or police families because they feel it's helping to support their loves ones," said Tori. "But in all reality, you're helping to support everyone and that's what we say is at the heart of all of this. Our hearts are so grateful to see how many people came out to donate and what a blessing this is."

The blood drive began with strong firefighter support, including BTFD Chief David VandenBos. "We look forward to getting the trophy back," said Chief VandenBos. "The Police department snatched it away last year, so it's time to take it back."

Jamestown donor Brian Seabold retired after 37 years with the fire department and was able to donate again Monday after a lengthy medical deferment. "I worked with all these guys," said Brian. "I knew this was coming up, and here we are, we're back!"

BPD got fresh support from Beavercreek Police recruit Chuck Worley. "I knew I had to show up, and had to vote, and get my donation first!" said Chuck.

The Battle of the Badges is a partnership with Peace Luther Church, which hosts Community Blood Center blood drives every two months, and this year has averaged about 70 donors per blood drive. The collaboration with the Battle of the Badges averages more than 100 donors with a total 829 donors in eight years.

"I think we've worked together very well," said Peace Luther blood drive coordinator Melinda Robbins. "I see quite a few of our regular donors and quite a few extra too."

Beavercreek donor Robert White donated platelets and plasma for his 207th lifetime donation. He's grateful for the sense of satisfaction he gets from donating, and he enjoys supporting the Battle of the Badges blood drive every year. But that doesn't make voting any easier.

"It's really a toss-up," said Robert. "They both serve their purpose. They are both dangerous jobs. You never know day to day what you are going to encounter."