Sioux Falls Fire Rescue comes out on top in Heroes Behind the Badges blood drive

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - This was the 29th year for the annual Heroes Behind the Badges blood drive, which allows the community to make donations on behalf of either the Sioux Falls Fire Rescue or Sioux Falls Police.

This year, firefighters came out on top with 641 donations.

“As law enforcement, we’re running call to call, dealing with certain things in the public. It’s nice to have a change of pace with something that has a positive impact in the community, end up with positive results from both of our teams through the city, and come together for something that can have a great impact for the people that need it,” said Sioux Falls Police Department Assistant Cheif Nick Cook.

Both departments helped provide more than 1,200 donations.

Community Blood Bank officials say this effort will help save 3,500 lives.