Guns n’ Hoses Blood drive kicks off with sumo wrestling match
RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) - Team Law vs. Team Fire. Rapid City Police and Fire Departments rolled up their sleeves for the Guns N Hoses blood drive, hoping community members will too. The nineteenth annual Guns n’ Hoses Blood Drive kicked off Tuesday morning with a friendly sumo wrestling match. The match was held to encourage blood donations from the community as well as generate some good ol’ friendly competition between police officers and firefighters.
“We’re out here for the blood drive, just kind of raising awareness and how big of an impact everybody could make, you know? Donating blood could end up saving somebody’s life. you don’t have to be out here being a first responder.” EMT Firefighter Logan Hilde said.
The wrestling match took place inside Uptown Rapid City with the fire department coming out on top. But Special Operations Lieutenant Jeff McCoy says he’s happy to do his part to raise awareness.
“I won the first round, I knew it was going to be a best of three, kind of lost my conditioning as it went on, but the fire department came in and they were ready to go. Gotta tip your cap sometimes when the opponent just brings a better game than you do, and that’s all I can do, is tip my cap.” Special Operations Lieutenant Jeff McCoy said.
Last year, Rapid City Fire Department tied up the blood drive competition 9-9 bringing in the most donor sign-ups, making this year, a tie-breaker. But team law and team fire say the real winner is the community.
“This is what we’re all about. We’ve gotta tackle the issues that we’re seeing in our community as a team, with the fire department, with community members. It’s what it’s all about.” McCoy said.
The Nonprofit blood service provider Vitalant is asking for blood donations in order to avoid any shortages during the summer.
“Blood donations drop by about 25% about every summer. So we consistently see that dip in the summer and unfortunately patients don’t get to stop using blood in the summer so year after year we all come together to support the summer blood supply and ensure those patients have those life saving units.”Communications Manager Tori Robbins said.
“The Blood Drive will continue throughout the rest of this week. For more information or to make an appointment, click here, or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).
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