Baystate Health’s mobile van was used for the police and fire blood drive. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Fire and Police Departments had their blood drive on Monday afternoon. The last few years, police and fire have competed against one another but this year the two departments agreed to join forces and take on the rest of the town departments.
“It does show that the police and fire have a great relationship,” said Southwick firefighter Jessica Bishop.
Southwick Police Lieutenant Kevin Bishop is confident that police and fire will be successful in the competition with the rest of the town.
“I firmly believe that the Southwick Fire and Police Departments will put the town employees to shame,” said Bishop.
Baystate Health ran the blood drive from their mobile van. Any police officers, firefighters, and anyone supporting either, was able to donate blood in the mobile van.
A few phlebotomists from Baystate were in the mobile van to help the blood donors go through the process.
Southwick firefighter Paul Johnson is all smiles after donating blood. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
Lynn Schwartz, one of the phlebotomists, always enjoys the mobile blood drives as Baystate does it six days a week.
“It’s great, it keeps it very interesting,” said Schwartz. “We have a great crew.”
Part of that crew is Mary Ellen Mcqueston, who is a driver for the mobile blood drive. Besides transporting her colleagues to various places throughout the week, Mcqueston stocks the bus with the proper supplies needed.
She also provides the blood donors with juice, water, and light snacks after they are finished donating blood and monitors them afterwards.
Mcqueston enjoys the fact that she can interact with the blood donors during their experience.
“There’s a lot of time to have discussions with them,” said Mcqueston.
There were a number of people who decided to donate blood for the fire and police team on Monday, including Southwick firefighter Paul Johnson.
Johnson has donated blood a few times before and has always been satisfied with his experiences.
“It’s a great feeling,” said Johnson. “You know you’re out here helping people.”
The police and fire will find out soon how much blood was donated to them. The rest of the town departments will be having their blood drive in late January.
