The American Red Cross of Kansas said the Wichita and Sedgwick County fire departments were the winners again in the annual Battle of the Badges blood drive, which was conducted during December.

The Red Cross said the drive went over its goal and collected 1,249 blood and platelet donations, and Fire Departments won by only three votes over Law Enforcement and EMS.   This is the fifth year in a row that Fire has collected the most votes from donors.

This was the 29th annual Battle of the Badges event, which is a friendly competition among police, fire and EMS agencies to encourage blood donations during the holiday season.

[ photo:  Wichita Police Department – Facebook ]