In 2013, The Red Cross held a blood drive event called Battle of the Badges to promote the importance of giving blood along with some friendly competition between cops and firefighters. In that event, more blood was donated on behalf of gunslingers than for hose draggers. So, we won. More importantly, however, the community won by having a good supply of blood for those who need it.

For those of you contemplating a blood donation in the near future, please save your vital fluids until January 21st or 22nd, at which time you can make the donation and have it count for the cops in the latest Battle of the Badges competition.

All you have to do is show up either at the VCDSA or Red Cross and say you're donating on behalf of the Sheriff's Office. Anyone can participate and choose the team for which they plan to donate.

Please encourage friends, family members, and neighbors to donate blood at the event and mention the Sheriff's Office when they do.

Dates and times are as follows:

Tuesday, January 21, 2014 from 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Red Cross Office - 836 Calle Plano, Camarillo, Ca. 93012

Tuesday, January 21, 2014 from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Ventura County Deputy Sheriff's Association - 981 South Victoria Ave. Ventura, Ca. 93003

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 from 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Red Cross Office - 836 Calle Plano, Camarillo, Ca. 93012