Lansing firefighters and police officers have routinely rolled up their sleeves and fought it out during the past two weeks.
Despite the bloodshed, both forces seem pleased with the outcome.
That’s because the two services were competing to raise blood for the American Red Cross.
The Battle for Blood took place between June 25 and Saturday at the Mid-Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross, 1800 E. Grand River Ave. in Lansing. The goal of the competition was to raise 900 pints of blood to help ensure a steady supply throughout the summer for the mid-Michigan area.
When the final tallying was done, the Lansing Fire Department had raised 557 pints. The Lansing Police Department finished close behind with 498 pints.
The total amount raised surpassed the Red Cross’ original goal by 155 pints.
There are no hard feelings between the two forces.
“We’re not thrilled about losing,” Lansing police Lt. Ray Hall said. “But it went well and it was for a great cause.
“At the end of the day it means that a person’s life might have been saved, and that’s what’s really important.”
Lansing Assistant Fire Chief Charles Bouth agreed.
“It’s a really great thing for the community. I can’t think of a better thing to do,” he said.
The firefighters and police officers were not the only ones who donated blood. Both departments relied heavily on family and friends to volunteer their time.
Ann Kammerer, a communications specialist with the American Red Cross, said she was very proud of the effort given by both departments.
“We knew that the police and firefighters would be energetic in their efforts,” she said.
Kammerer also said the Red Cross would like the event to continue annually.
The police and the fire departments seemed eager to continue the good-natured rivalry.
“They’re our esteemed colleagues, but we’ll beat them next year,” Bouth said.
Hall wasn’t so sure about that.
“We’re going to take the fire department more seriously next year,” he said. “We will keep continuing with the program as long as it’s effective, or until we beat the pants off the fire department.”
