Garland Rural Fire Department gets bragging rights

Michael Pommier/Tribune Photo Illustration

For the second consecutive year, the Garland Rural Fire Department has taken the title in the annual "Battle of the Badges Blood Drive."

Local residents who came to Buck Run Community Center Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning cast their votes in a friendly competition when they presented to offer a donation. Votes were cast for whichever local police or fire department they liked most.

For the second year in a row, the Garland Rural Fire Department got bragging rights with a total of 42 votes. The Fort Scott Fire Department came in second for the second year running with 26 votes, and the Bourbon County Sheriff's Office rounded out the top three with 19 ballots.

Bourbon County Chapter of the American Red Cross Executive Director Whendi Martin said the response to the second annual "Battle of the Badges Blood Drive" was average. With 142 units being donated during the two-day event, Martin said the turnout was "good but slow." The local ARC chapter collects about 140 units during each blood drive.

Martin said the slower turnout is likely due in part to the timing of the drive. With school getting ready to start again and local teachers heading to their classrooms for preparation, many of the regular donors were not available.

Those who came to donate received a T-shirt and had their name entered in a drawing for $250 gas card.

The next opportunity to donate will be on Oct. 25 and 26 at Fort Scott High School, 1005 S. Main St.