FORT OGLETHORPE – The men and women who represent two area law enforcement agencies are asking for the public’s support during an annual competition.

On Friday, May 26, the Catoosa and Walker County Sheriff’s Offices will compete in the 2023 Battle of the Badges Blood Drive. The event, which first took place in 2015, is open to the public and employees from both of the Northwest Georgia law enforcement offices. Since the inaugural blood drive, more than 900 units of blood have been collected, resulting in nearly 3,000 lives saved.

The sheriff’s office that collects the most blood will be declared the winner and awarded a plaque from Blood Assurance. In addition, the winning agency will receive two bulletproof vests courtesy of GT Distributors and Lane Funeral Home.

The blood drives will take place at both sheriff’s office locations from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Catoosa County Sherriff’s Office, 5842 Hwy. 41, Ringgold, GA 30736; and  Walker County Sheriff’s Office, 105 S. Duke St., La Fayette, GA 30728.

If donors are interested in scheduling an appointment to benefit the Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office, they may visit: www.bloodassurance.org/catoosa.

Donors who would like to schedule an appointment in support of the Walker County Sheriff’s Office can visit: www.bloodassurance.org/walker.

Donors may also call 800-962-0628 or text BAGIVE to 999777 to schedule appointments. Walk-ins will be accepted at both locations.

Those who donate will be given a commemorative t-shirt.