Letter to the Editor

To the Editor:

It is time for Red Cross' Battle of the Badges Blood Drive. This means local law enforcement will "battle" with local firefighters and EMS to see who can give the most blood.

Join the Battle of the Badges. You may donate at the Fort Scott blood drive on Thursday, Aug. 9, from 12:45 to 7 p.m. or Friday, Aug. 10, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Ave. Make an appointment by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or online at www.redcrossblood.org. All presenting donors will receive a free Battle of the Badges T-shirt.

EMS personnel, firefighters and law enforcement officers give time to the community, they give a sense of security to residents; and they often give blood, too. As local heroes to many, their courage in the face of adversity bolsters people in need.

But the battle isn't just for police officers and firefighters; anyone can get involved in the fun by donating blood and voting for a favorite team. When this contest is over, the Battle of the Badges winner gets bragging rights. But most importantly, hospital patients throughout Kansas are also winners because they get the life-saving blood they need to survive.

Anyone can become a hero during Battle of the Badges. This is your chance. Give blood.

Ruth Waring

Blood Drive Coordinator