The Washington Township police and fire departments engaged in a friendly competition for the American Red Cross “Battle of the Badges” blood drive.
By Krista Cerminaro
A little friendly competition never hurt anyone, but who knew it could help?
On Tuesday, May 1, the Washington Township Police Department and the Washington Township Fire Department joined forces to compete against one another in a “Battle of the Badges” blood drive by the American Red Cross.
“This is really the first year that, as a national organization, the Red Cross is focusing on these “Battle of the Badges” blood drives, so we have a lot this year. This is the first one in Gloucester County, and this is one of the first few in all of New Jersey, so it’s pretty exciting,” American Red Cross external communications manager Alana Mauger said. “This is certainly the largest we’ve had in New Jersey, so we’re really excited about that.”
Residents came out to the municipal building to show their support for either “Team Fire” or “Team Police,” by indicating on a ballot which team their blood donation would count toward.
The police department emerged victorious by the end of the drive, winning a trophy and, of course, bragging rights.
“First responders know the importance of the need for blood — they’re responding to fires and accidents every day, so they see firsthand the importance,” Mauger said. “So, it’s a nice opportunity for them to come together for the community, to engage with them, and it allows us to educate the public.”
“We see some of these accidents, where people are hurt and lose blood, and you see the need for it,” Fire Prevention Coordinator Adam Sezcech said. “We’re always helping and supporting the community, so this is where we ask them to come help and support us.”
Additionally, the fire department brought out its interactive fire safety trailer to further educate donors about fire safety and prevention. The simulator, featured smoke, fire alarms and fire extinguishers.
Team Fire may have lost the match this time, but can certainly rest assured knowing 167 units of blood were collected at the drive, surpassing the 150-unit goal.
“Most of the blood that we collect does stay in the Penn-Jersey blood services region, which is really cool because it does help our local community first,” Mauger said.
The Penn-Jersey blood service region serves all of New Jersey, Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania.
“[But] because we’re the Red Cross, and we’re national, it can go wherever it’s most needed,” she added.
According to Police Capt, Ken Kennedy, the drive was another event that supports Police Chief Pat Gurcsik’s community caretaking initiative.
“If the community sees the police and fire department are coming out and partaking in these type of events, they see us as not just somebody writing a ticket, or things like that. That we’re humans also — and we’re out to help them,” Kennedy said. “Whenever we can do anything to help our community, we’re for that.”
Kennedy also said he believes these type of fun and interactive events are more likely to draw a larger crowd.
“We have a very good relationship with the fire department, but to have this type of fun,” Kennedy said, “certainly draws more people to come out.”
“We always need all types, but I will say that we definitely always are in critical need of type O-negative, because it’s the universal blood type and that’s what hospitals reach for when there’s a trauma,” Mauger explained. “If they don’t have time to type someone’s blood, they can reach for O-negative.”
Additional upcoming local blood drives include:
- Wednesday, May 9, from 2 to 7 p.m at ManorCare Health Services, located at 378 Fries Mill Road, in Sewell.
- Thursday, May 10, from 2 to 7 p.m. at Erial Fire Company, located at 1946 Williamstown Erial Road, in Erial.
- Saturday, May 12, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Dunkin’ Donuts, located at 660 Woodbury Glassboro Road, in Sewell.
