Wichita and Sedgwick County Fire continued their winning streak in the annual Battle of the Badges competition Wednesday.
The friendly challenge pits firefighters, EMS workers and police officers in Wichita and Sedgwick County against each other in an effort to increase blood supply.
Participants could cast their vote for the first responders they wanted to win after giving blood or platelets to the American Red Cross.
The competition started on Dec. 13, 2021 and ended on Jan. 2, 2022. The Red Cross said donations usually drop off during this time of year.
This is the third year in a row the fire department has won.
“At the end of the day, the true winners are the recipients of the blood products that we’re able to collect,” Wichita Fire Department Captain Chris Fleming said.