Battle of the Badges blood drive returns Friday

The Rio Rancho Police Department and Rio Rancho Fire and Rescue teams are hosting their annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive from 1-6 p.m. Friday at Mesa Baptist Church, 1411 Golf Course.

“All donors will receive a FREE Battle T-Shirt and be registered to win one of five $5,000 prepaid gift cards!” an announcement on Facebook reads.

According to Vitalant, the host of the competition, the 13th annual Battle of the Badges is a friendly competition among participating police, fire and other first responder units across the state of New Mexico to see which group can recruit the most blood donors by enlisting fellow officers, friends, family and the community to give blood. There is currently an emergency shortage of blood, and all blood types are needed to stock the shelves.

“Come support either, OR BOTH sides and help a much worthy cause,” the post added.