Fire Chief Jim Reuther (Left) and Police Chief Scott Edinger (Right)

JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – It’s Team Law versus Team Fire once again in the 6th Annual Jamestown Battle of the Badges beginning today through Saturday.

Jamestown Police Chief Scott Edinger says the blood drive challenge originated with Vitalant, formally known as United Blood Services.

Jamestown Fire Chief Jim Reuther says putting on the blood drive is another way their departments can give back to the community.

According to the American Red Cross Association, roughly 36,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day, with an average transfusion being approximately 3 units. A single car accident victim could require as many as 100 units of blood.

Chief Reuther added that while it is a competition, both departments have the same end goal.

While registration is encouraged, Chief Edinger pointed out they’ll also welcome any and all walk-ins.

Vitalant will also be accepting Convalescent Plasma during the event.

“If you’ve tested positive for COVID-19 and recovered, your plasma may be able to help patients currently fighting the virus,” the organization states. “Plasma is the liquid portion of the blood. Using a specialized process, we separate and collect only the plasma portion of your blood and safely return the remaining components (red blood cells and platelets) to you.”

A plasma donation takes around an hour, but with the medical screening and review of health history, those who make a Convalescent Plasma donation should plan for about 2 hours.

Once a donation is made, participants will then select which team receives their vote. The winning department will then have bragging rights for the year until the next Battle of the Badges.

Donation dates are January 7th from 11:30 AM to 6 PM, January 8th from 10:30 AM to 5 PM, and January 9th from 7 AM to 11:30 AM at the Jamestown Civic Center in the Exchequer Room.

To register for the blood drive, visit bloodhero.com and search Jamestown or call Vitalant at 1-877-258-4825. Chief Edinger adds that officers and firefighters are also calling members of the public asking for their donations.

Listen to a full Let’s Talk About It with Fire Chief Jim Reuther and Police Chief Scott Edinger below: