For the 4th year in a row, the fire department walks away with the Battle of the Badges trophy. With first responders’ efforts and donors’ generosity, the Red Cross of South Central and Southeast Kansas hit goal targets each from Dec. 13, 2022, to Jan. 1, 2023. Over 1,300 units of blood donation were collected.

“We are so grateful for the city of Wichita to come out and support us for the 4th year in a row” said Wichita Fire Capt. Chris Fleming, who is also a member of the Battle of the Badges committee. “Without the work of the Red Cross and volunteer donors across Kansas, blood would not be available when it is needed most. ” 

“We appreciate our first responders’ help encouraging people to donate blood at a time when it’s needed most,” said Michelle Grimms, Red Cross regional donor services manager “The real winners of the Battle of the Badges Community Blood Drive will always be the patients we serve in more than 100 hospitals across Kansas. We appreciate the continued support of all departments and look forward to giving one team the coveted trophy and bragging rights for the entire year.”

More than 31,000 blood and platelet donations have been collected during the 28 Wichita Battle of the Badges drives.