Blood drive supports first responders

The public is being asked to support local law enforcement by giving blood during National Police Week as this year’s Battle of the Badges Blood Drive pits department against department to see who can bring in the most donations.

The event is set for May 18 at the First United Methodist Church on Glynwood Road in Wapakoneta. The blood drive begins at noon. Those wishing to participate can schedule an appointment at RedCross.org.

The blood drive is just one of the local activities next week, coordinated in part with the Let’s Back the Blue organization.

Organizer Anne Niemeyer reached out to the Red Cross about a blood drive opportunity, developing the Battle of the Badges idea with Red Cross representative Jeri Gerringer.

Niemeyer said soon after creating the event they already had signups from loyal Red Cross donors.

“I feel it is a great idea. Local law enforcement and the fire service of Auglaize County is already greatly involved in the community and I feel this is just another way to show our support to a great cause,” Sheriff Mike Vorhees said. “We are asking every citizen that is available on May 18 to schedule an appointment with the Red Cross and help us, help Let’s Back the Blue.”

Blood is always needed in emergencies, as St. Marys Fire Chief Doug Ayers has seen.

“Sometimes we are carrying in the people who need the blood,” Ayers said. “We are all it in it together, red or blue side. We are all one big family.”

“This may be a little competition between police and fire, but the true winners will be the Red Cross and the people helped by this endeavor. Any time we both can join forces to help a cause, it’s going to be a good thing.” St. Marys Chief of Police Jacob Sutton said. “My hope is that not only law enforcement and fire will sign up and donate, but many in the public will do it on behalf of fire or police agencies in our area.“

Wapakoneta Police Department

Records Clerk Nikki Sawmiller said the effort made her realize the need for blood and confirmed the department’s participation.

Niemeyer said another way to support law enforcement during police week is to light up homes with blue lights. Outreach efforts have led to many people keeping those lights on year-round, boosting morale for local law enforcement.

Another way to support the effort is to put on running shoes.

This year the Let’s Back the Blue 5K will be held in St. Marys on May 21 at 9 a.m.

The route will begin at the Mill Park Shelter House at 102 E. High Street and will continue through downtown to the police station, and includes a stop by K.C. Geiger Park.

The $30 signup fee will go toward scholarships for law enforcement courses and Wright State and Rhodes State colleges. Last year, two $1,000 scholarships were awarded. This year Niemeyer wants to offer even more scholarships as funds allow.

The run was shifted from an evening event to a morning run to draw more people who may be driving in from out of town. Their goal is about 275 signups. Niemeyer said it was more of a fun run and people could also walk the race if they choose and that it is also animal friendly. She plans to rotate the race route throughout the county each year.

It also marks the return of the Little Cop 1-miler, where children have the opportunity to run a mile with a $5 sign up fee.

“The chiefs will be there to swear them in as law enforcement for a day,” Niemeyer said.

A pancake breakfast will be held afterwards, sponsored by the St. Marys Area Resource Team

“It’s all for a good cause,” Niemeyer said. “It’s another way to honor law enforcement.”