Bakersfield Fire Department firefighters donated the most blood in the Red Cross Battle of the Badges two-day event that resulted in a total of 94 units of blood collected from Bakersfield and Kern firefighters, Bakersfield police and Kern deputies.
Bakersfield firefighters donated 38 units of blood, police gave 28 units, Kern firefighters donated 20 units and sheriff’s personnel gave 16 units, according to the final tally. “Record-breaking cold and winter storms across much of the U.S. has forced the cancellation of hundreds of American Red Cross blood drives in about 30 states and caused more than 15,000 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected,” the release said. “The Red Cross is urging healthy individuals, especially those with type O blood, to give now to ensure blood products are available for patient emergencies when help can’t wait.”