Battle of the Badges: First Responders Honor 9/11 With Life-Saving Donations
ROBERTSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE (Smokey Barn News): Local first responders came together today, September 11, for a special “Battle of the Badges” blood drive honoring the lives lost on 9/11/01.
The event, spearheaded by Springfield Police Chief Jason Head, invited law enforcement, fire, EMS, Tennessee Highway Patrol, and other public safety agencies to a friendly competition to see which badge could inspire the most blood donations in a single day, said Robertson County EMS Director Brent Dyer. At the end of the drive, it was law enforcement personnel who secured the win, donating more units than their firefighter and EMS colleagues.
Beyond honoring the nearly 3,000 lives lost 24 years ago, the blood drive also provided a direct benefit to the community. Each pint of blood donated remains in Tennessee, available to patients in local hospitals. Robertson County EMS is preparing to implement a new initiative where paramedics will carry trauma blood in the field for pre-hospital use. This advancement, already in place in Williamson County, has shown success in saving lives, particularly in areas with high crash volumes and serious injuries such as Robertson County, which is served by two busy interstates.
Emergency surgeons at TriStar Skyline Medical Center have encouraged the move, noting the enhanced level of care it provides for critical trauma patients. Once in place, Robertson County EMS will be among the first agencies in Tennessee to carry blood for pre-hospital use.
Organizers set a goal of collecting 200 pints during the event — enough to help up to 600 patients. Donors also received commemorative 9/11 t-shirts while supplies lasted. PHOTOS: Brent Dyer
