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The Suffolk Sheriff’s Office are looking for another year of victory in their 4th annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive. 

Held at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront in partnership with the American Red Cross, residents came out to donate blood with the department taking part in the beneficial and friendly competition with city’s law enforcement. Sheriff David Miles says the blood drive is one of four times a year the department partners with ARC for blood drives.

“This particular one is a competition between the Suffolk Fire and Rescue, Suffolk Police Department and Suffolk Sheriff’s Office. It doesn’t just include firemen or deputies or police officers, but also as citizens come in and donate, they can say to which organization they want their donation to be counted towards,” Miles said.

Miles says the past three years saw consecutive wins for Suffolk Sheriff’s Office as champions. On working with ARC for the drive, Miles calls them “a great partner.”

“…We’ve got accustomed to partnering with them over the years, and they’re inside doing the hard work and we’re out here helping make sure everyone gets checked in and makes the process as easy as it can be on the way in,” Miles said.

Serving ARC for 24 years, American Red Cross Collections Team Supervisor Sandra Moore talked about being a part of the competition. 

“As a member of the American Red Cross, we work in the collections department and we are here to collect blood for our patients and the needs in the hospital, making sure that we collect safe blood,” Moore said. “And so I know that the Sheriff’s Department [has] a number of goals that they would like to collect, and we are here to try to make sure that we meet their goals. Because if we meet their goals, then we meet the needs of the patient’s goals.”

On why he decided to be a donor at the event, Donor Luther Milteer Jr. says he’s been giving blood for a number of years.

“I am up to seven gallons now and there’s such a need for it,” Milteer said. “So this is my opportunity to give, you know, to society – to help others.”

Likewise, Milter encouraged residents who are hesitant to donate blood.

“It’s so important now, because there’s a shortage of it and we need to give if you can to help others,” he said.

Those who missed out on this year’s Battle of the Badges can look forward to the next one on Sept. 25, 2025. Residents will have another opportunity to give blood at the Suffolk Sheriff’s Office Dec. 18 Blood Drive. 

For more information, go to facebook.com/SuffolkVASheriff.