Walker County Sheriff’s Office Detention Officer Ruthie Parrish gives blood in the Walker County Battle of the Badges blood drive.Though the Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office drew more donors in support of its Battle of the Badges blood drive, Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson said the local event was a success.
The annual event pits Catoosa and Walker counties’ emergency personnel against each other to see who can get the most donations in their name.
“We were glad to be able to help Blood Assurance,” Wilson said. “Blood Assurance gives the gift of life. They need 540 units of blood per day. It was a great day.”
Walker County collected 41 units and Catoosa County collected 57 units this year, but 10 people wishing to donate for Walker County were turned away due to low blood pressure or low iron count, he said.
“We beat Catoosa County last year. I’m sure they have it out for us this year,” Wilson joked.