‘Heroes Behind The Badge’ Pits Tupelo Fire Department against Tupelo Police Department

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – First responders in one Northeast Mississippi city have turned a blood drive into a friendly competition.

A blood drive pitted Tupelo Police officers against the Tupelo Fire Department. Each department tried to outdo the other when it came to the number of blood donors.

The blood drive was called “Heroes Behind the Badge” and it was a way for police and fire to help blood banks make sure they have adequate supplies to meet high demands during the summer months.

“This blood isn’t for police or fire, this blood is for the community, and we’re always working accidents, and things like that so this is our way of giving back to the community and we need the community’s support because the blood banks are, could always use more blood, never have enough, so come out and support community and Police Department and Fire Department,” said deputy chief at Tupelo Police Department Allan Gilbert.

The public can also donate blood.

Just stop by the Tupelo Police Department on Thursday between 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.