BYRON – A “Battle of the Badges” blood drive hosted by the Rock River Valley Blood Center will take place today from Noon to 6:00 PM in Byron. The event will be a friendly rivalry between the Byron Fire Department and the Byron Police Department. Byron Firefighter Tyler Schlaf said that the department already hosts an annual event in November, so this will not be a challenge to their department, unlike the rookie donors on the police force.
“They will probably have a tough time just because they’re not used to it,” he said. “Hopefully nobody cries, but I’m sure that they’re not as versed in needles as we are.”
Byron Police Chief Jeremy Boehle said his department is ready to go head to head against the firefighters.
“They like to poke everyone but they don’t like to be poked,” he said. “I think it’s going to be interesting to see how many of them actually show up to give blood.”
The event will be held at Snyder’s Pharmacy, located at 100 West Black Hawk Drive in Byron.
Chief Boehle bragged that his donation is extra important.
“Being O negative I can give to anyone, so not just saving one, I’m saving many.”
While appointments are recommended, walk-ins are also welcome to participate and choose a side in the “Battle of the Badges”.
