Police, fire 'battle' for good cause

A girl and an American Red Cross worker comfort a blood donor at the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive on Friday, June 24, 2016, in Fulton.
A girl and an American Red Cross worker comfort a blood donor at the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive on Friday, June 24, 2016, in Fulton.

It is a critical time of year for blood donations. With summer in full swing, blood donations decrease as the demand for blood increases.

Ted Zeiter, a team supervisor at the American Red Cross, said when school is not in session and more people are traveling, blood donation centers don't see as many donors. Additionally, with more people on the roads in the summer, more accidents are likely to occur, which can result in the need for life-saving blood, Zeiter said.

At the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive on Friday, Zeiter said he sees many of the same donors year after year.

"You develop a relationship with them," he said. "There's a lot of community from Fulton that come out. We have the capability to ship blood anywhere."

When asked why people should donate blood, Zeiter said, "It is a very easy way to make a huge difference in somebody's life."

"I'm a dedicated blood donor," said Cassie Santhuff, founder of the Super Sam Foundation in memory of her son, Sam.

As Sam was battling cancer in his young years before he passed away in September 2014, Santhuff noted the comfort she found from the Fulton Police and Fire departments. As a result, she wanted to help at the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive.

"I was eager to work on this blood drive," Santhuff said. "I was eager to help because of Sam."

For those who were unable to donate at the blood drive, Santhuff encourages the community to partake in the July 27 blood drive in honor of Sam. Details about this blood drive are forthcoming.

"We are in an urgent need for blood," she said. "Currently, our demand is outweighing our supply."

When asked if she wanted the Fulton Police or Fire Department to win the trophy, Santhuff said, "I think whoever wins, they are doing it for all the right reasons. They're out there protecting us day in and day out."

Results of the blood drive competition were not immediately available.