DOWAGIAC — The city of Dowagiac Public Safety Department and Fire Department are going head to head in a lifesaving mission.

The Dowagiac Public Safety and Fire Department are hosting an American Red Cross blood drive with a competitive spin from 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. on Friday at the Dowagiac Fire Department, 302 Wolf St., Dowagiac, in the training and fire bay.

When community members sign up to donate blood, they will have the chance to traditionally donate in honor of a family member, loved one or on behalf of the fire department or public safety department.

Dowagiac’s public safety officers brought the idea for the Battle of the Badges to the American Red Cross in an effort to do something for the holidays that would not cost the community money, said Michell Outlaw, the executive secretary at the Dowagiac Police Department.

Traditionally, the holidays bring many different fundraisers, Outlaw said.

“We wanted to give back and include the community in a different way,” she said. “We figured what better way than the gift of life by donating blood.”

The department with the most donations made on its behalf will win a gag gift, Outlaw said, just to make the drive more interesting for the holidays.

By contacting the American Red Cross through its website, Outlaw was able to meet with a local representative based out of the Sister Lakes area. The two met at the fire department and planned the drive, which will also have Dowagiac Public Safety items on display for the public. Outlaw said attendees can also bring along their children to see a fire truck in a safe environment, as they learn about giving back in a different way.

The local representative informed Outlaw that the area’s blood banks have recently been dangerously low.

Nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every two to three seconds, according to the American Red Cross.

“What a better way, with Dowagiac Ascension Borgess Lee Hospital in our town, that we can come together as a community,” Outlaw said. “They will fill our hospital blood bank first and then move to the next location where it is needed at.”

For questions regarding the donation process or health concerns associated with donating, Outlaw is directing people to visit the American Red Cross website, the organization handles applications and are in charge the day of the blood drive.

Outlaw is also encouraging interested participants to schedule appointments online or call the office at (269) 782-9743 ext. 301, and she can assist with scheduling. If attendees are uncomfortable with scheduling online, walk-ins will be accepted the day of. The process, start to finish, is about 45 minutes, Outlaw was informed by the American Red Cross representative.

As the fire and public safety departments work together for the event, they hope the Dowagiac community will back them up.

“We want our community to know we are out here working with you,” Outlaw said. “We want you to join us.”

Outlaw said both departments have been using the slogan, “Saving lives, one donation at a time.”

“We want the community to be a part of that,” she said.