SOUTHWICK – For the fourth year in a row, Southwick Fire has defeated their neighbors, the Southwick Police, in the annual blood drive competition. Having taken place on Tuesday outside both headquarters, fire edged the police 17-16, with how many people donated blood while representing their organization.
“We’re going to have to really work it hard next year,” said Southwick Fire Chief Russ Anderson.
Southwick Police Chief Kevin Bishop is optimistic about ending the fire department’s winning streak next year.
“Even though I am saddened that we suffered another loss, I’m proud to say that as the new chief, this is the closest we have ever been to winning it,” said Bishop. “Standby fire (department) for next year.”
Baystate Health hosted the mobile blood drive which featured 33 people donating blood which will help save 66 lives at local Baystate hospitals. With 33 people donating a pint per person, 33 pints of blood were donated and two lives are saved for each pint of blood that is donated.
Southwick firefighter Paul Johnson donated blood in the Baystate mobile blood drive during last year’s competition. (WNG File Photo)
Both town officials are ecstatic about the positive impact the blood drive will have for those in need of blood.
Last year, fire defeated police by having 12 donors while police had seven and the blood donations saved more than 40 lives.
“It’s really about the donation, it’s not about the competition,” said Anderson. “The winners are the 66 lives that could have potentially be involved.”
Bishop also touched on the importance of the event.
“I would like to thank everyone that came out no matter which team they decided to donate for because as we all know, their donations could save anybody’s life someday,” said Bishop.
All 33 participants for the blood drive on Tuesday will now receive a free admission ticket to the Big E, which starts today.
Anyone interested in donating blood is urged to contact the Blood Donor Program to make an appointment at 413-794-4600 or toll free at 1-877-612-5663.
