Azle police, fire go head-to-head in blood donation competition
A unique kind of blood sport is coming to the city. The Azle Police Department and the Azle Fire Department are set to duke it out in a two-day contest for the hearts — and blood — of area residents. On Aug. 4 and Aug. 8, the city will host its first “Battle of the Badges” blood donations. Donors will pledge their blood to either department in a contest of community choice. The winning department will receive bragging rights and a plaque in its honor. The Aug. 4 event will be held in the First Methodist Church gym, 200 Church St., Monday from 3:30-6:30 p.m. This event is organized by the Azle Area Ministerial Alliance. Readers can sign up online or in person to donate whole blood or reach out to AAMA coordinator Holly Killough at 817-2004611 with any questions. The Aug. 8 event will be held at Azle City Hall Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reach out to Holly Choran at 817-3431410 with any questions.
All participants in the event will receive special Battle of the Badges T-shirts from Carter BloodCare and all donors will be able to redeem a $25 e-gift card for retailers like Amazon, Target, Lowes, Starbucks and more. The competition is expected to be fierce. Azle punches above its weight when it comes to generosity. Efforts, fueled by these organizations and by Azle High School, have turned the city into a major donor in the region. In September, AHS was awarded a $2,000 grant for donating more blood than any other 5A high school in North Texas. Local high schools contribute about a quarter of the blood donated locally and are an invaluable part of the blood supply for patients in Texas. AHS consistently ranks among Carter BloodCare’s top schools for donor turnout.
