Battle of the Badges NA16009lp

WHAT: Blood Drive competition between the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles Fire Department

WHEN: Tuesday, January 26, 2016 7:30 a.m.

WHERE: Police Administration Building 100 West 1st Street Los Angeles, CA 90012

WHY: The Battle of the Badges blood drives began in 2007 in Southern California as an opportunity for badge-carrying personnel to help hospital patients in need through a friendly competition. In seven years, the program has become the nation’s largest and most successful law enforcement blood drive.

This year, officers and fire fighters of the City of Los Angeles are competing in a friendly contest to raise blood for the American Red Cross of Southern California. While this initiative is themed and geared specifically toward the law enforcement community, the general public is strongly encouraged to participate.

Eligible donors can schedule an appointment to give blood using the Blood Donor App, by visiting redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code BADGESOCAL, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

CONTACT: For further information please contact the Los Angeles Police Department Media Relations at (213) 486-5910 or the American Red Cross at 213-280-6274.