Redondo to Join 'Battle of the Badges'

The American Red Cross Bloodmobile will visit the on Wednesday from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. as part of the sixth annual Battle of the Badges blood drive.

According to a news release from the police department, the blood drive is "an opportunity for all badge-carrying personnel, including friends and families, to positively impact our community … in a friendly competition among law enforcement agencies to see who can donate the most blood and ultimately save the most lives."

All blood drive participants will receive a Battle of the Badges T-shirt, a coupon for a free appetizer from Mimi's Cafe and a voucher for two tickets to a Los Angeles Clippers game. Though the participant prizes are free, recipients must pay a $10 processing fee to redeem both Clippers tickets.

According to a list of participating agencies on the Battle of the Badges website, the RBPD has 43 participants signed up. It's unclear whether that number refers to 2011 or 2012.

People who plan to donate blood must be 16 years old or older, weigh 110 pounds or more, and generally be in good health. People can donate blood every 56 days—up to six times per year.

To schedule an appointment to donate blood, visit redcrossbattleofthebadges.org and use sponsor code BADGE. Participants must bring identification to their appointment.

For more information, contact Officer Don Martinez at 310-318-0600 ext. 2562 or don.martinez@redondo.org.