Battle of Badges: Walker Sheriff’s Department wins blood donor drive
Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson can claim bragging rights in the 2017 edition of the Battle of the Badges, an annual blood drive between Walker and Catoosa counties.
The results — Catoosa collections totaled 39 units compared to Walker’s 58 units — made Wilson a winner for the second time in the event’s three-year history.
Chip Catlett, chairman of Blood Assurance’s local advisory board, expressed his appreciation to the sheriffs and to all those who participated in the drive.
“A huge congratulations to Walker County Sheriff’s Office for their overwhelming donations during the 2017 Battle of the Badges Campaign,” Catlett said. “Also thank you to last year’s winner, Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office, for collecting 39 units! Blood Assurance appreciates the support of both Catoosa and Walker County sheriff offices, especially during this critical time in our inventory.”
Catoosa County Sheriff Gary Sisk and Wilson both serve on the Blood Assurance advisory board, so
The Walker County Sheriff’s Department started its participation in the Battle of the Badges blood drive on Tuesday, March 7. Pictured: Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson and donor Joan Hale of Chickamauga. this was a friendly competition to benefit a worthy cause — one dedicated to saving lives.
“I am grateful for the many Walker and Catoosa county donors who took a few minutes out of their busy schedules to donate blood in support of the Battle of the Badges campaign,” Sheriff Wilson said. “As Sheriff Sisk said last week, ‘the true winners are the patients who receive the donated blood.’
“During my cancer treatments seven years ago I needed blood. I understand first-hand how important it is to donate blood and, as the patient, to receive the gift of life — blood.”
In acknowledging this year’s results, Sheriff Sisk said, “Congratulations to Walker County for a battle hard fought and thank you to all those that gave blood in Catoosa County. We are just glad to be a part and bring awareness to the need.”
Since being formed in 1972 as a joint effort of the ChattanoogaHamilton County Medical Society, the Chattanooga Area Hospital Council, and the Chattanooga Jaycees, the mission of Blood Assurance has been to provide a safe and adequate supply of blood and blood components in a cost effective manner to every area patient in need.
This non-profit organization has grown to provide this life giving service to 51 counties and more than 76 health care facilities in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina and Virginia.
Northwest Georgia, since the beginnings of Blood Assurance, has been a leader in per capita donations. Even though the outcome of the Battle of the Badges is never a foregone conclusion, the willingness of local donors is constant.
As Sheriff Sisk said, “There is always next year.”