KEMAH — The Kemah Police and Fire Departments are going head-to-head in a friendly rivalry to help save lives during the annual Battle of the Badges blood drive, taking place Wednesday, July 2, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Kemah Community Center.

Residents are encouraged to roll up their sleeves and donate blood in support of their favorite department. Each donation counts as a vote for either the Kemah Police Department or the Kemah Fire Department — and there’s more than just bragging rights on the line.

According to the Kemah Police Department’s release, the losing department’s Chief will be required to stand in front of the winning department’s headquarters holding a sign that reads, “I love the Police Department” or “I love the Fire Department,” depending on the outcome. The message was shared with a good dose of humor and competitive spirit.

“These hosedraggers are going down!” the police department joked in their announcement, referring playfully to their firefighting colleagues.

The event is part of a broader effort to boost summer blood donations, which often decline during the warmer months. Both departments emphasized the importance of community participation, not just for the fun of the competition, but to support vital blood banks across the region.

Those wishing to participate can sign up for a time slot through the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center at the following link:
https://www.commitforlife.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/400882

“Thank you for helping us save lives by donating blood,” the department added in their statement. “Let’s see who the community backs — the badge or the bunker gear.”

Photo credit: Flickr, Luke Cunningham