Law Enforcement won the inaugural Rutherford County-wide Battle of the Badges, the Heart of Tennessee Red Cross announced. 

Team Law Enforcement battled Team Fire/EMS in partnership with American Red Cross to produce exceptional results. A total of 149 units of blood were collected, helping save 447 lives.

“We are grateful for the work of our first responders to keep our community safe and healthy every day,” said Kathy Ferrell, Executive Director for the Heart of Tennessee Chapter of American Red Cross, “These individuals understand the impact a blood donation can have on our community, and they rolled up their sleeves to save lives.”

Team Law Enforcement agencies included La Vergne Police Department, Murfreesboro Police Department, Smyrna Police Department, and Rutherford County Sheriff’s Department. 

Team Fire/EMS agencies included La Vergne Fire Department, Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department, Rutherford County Fire Rescue Department, Rutherford County EMS, and Smyrna Fire Department. 

A total of 115 people donated for Team Law Enforcement and 56 for Team Fire/EMS. All departments agree that the real "winners" are those who benefit from these blood donations. 

Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh said deputies know the importance of donating blood.  

“One of our own deputies, Lydia Saunders, works here today because she was given blood to live after a medical emergency,” Fitzhugh said. “We hope the blood donations will extend other patients’ lives.”

If you are interested in donating at the local blood donation center, you can obtain more information online at redcrossblood.org.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.