GRAND ISLAND, Neb. - The Battle of the Badges blood drive is underway. 

It's the fifth annual blood drive involving law enforcement in Grand Island, Hastings and Kearney.

American Red Cross Account Manager Jeremy Aupperlee said it’s more than just a friendly way to have a competition between law enforcement and the fire department. 

“It’s a great way to get donors in, have a little competition and especially during the summertime, because the Red Cross is really in a dire need of donors during the summer,” Aupperlee said. 

Grand Island Police Captain Jim Duering said police have great reasons to donate.  

“This is big for us,” Duering said. "So two reasons, one is first responders the blood that you donate may become beneficial to one of our own members and we respond to emergency situations where we know how valuable that blood is every time. This one is a little bit of fun because we get to have some friendly competition not only between us and the fire department but also between Grand Island, Hastings, and Kearney and there’s nothing wrong with a little competition for a good cause."

The blood drive is hosted in each of the Tri-Cities and every donor has the option to vote for their favorite department.

Nicole Velasquez has been doing this since high school to help people and because she enjoys it. 

“I suggest everyone donates it doesn’t hurt, it's not that much time, it’s great for the community, great for people, great for your body," Velasquez said. 

The Hasting blood drive is Friday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Hastings Auditorium.