HASTINGS, Neb. – With blood shortages all across the nation, every donation counts in potentially saving a life.

The Tri-Cities in Central Nebraska participated this week in one of the biggest blood drives of the year to do their parts.

The 'Battle of the Badges' blood drive was in Grand Island and Kearney earlier this week, and made its final stop in Hastings Thursday afternoon.

Put on by the American Red Cross, Battle of the Badges pitted Hastings and Fire Rescue and Hastings Police Department against one another in a friendly competition.

For the sixth consecutive year, donors gave blood and chose to support their donation towards Team Fire or Team Police.

The Grand Island Red Cross runs the yearly Tri-City blood drive, and organizers say it’s an annual tradition many people plan their yearly donation schedule around. 

"Every year, donors always ask me "when is the Battle of the Badges?" said Central and Western Nebraska Interim District Manager Jeremy Aupperlee. "Donating blood all the time can get kind of repetitive, but this drive is unique because you get to see a little competition, get a special t-shirt, so that's why they enjoy it."

Hastings Fire and Rescue has won bragging rights for the past two years, but is still keeping the real reason of the drive in mind.

"The Fire Department is used to beating the Hastings Police Department in everything, and every competition we have," said Fire Chief Brad Starling. "But in all fun, that's what we're here for, is to have a little bit of fun and get to show support for the community."

Hastings Police Patrol Sergeant Kyle Williamson agrees the camaraderie between the two departments is what makes this annual tradition a blast and keeps their relationship between the departments strong. 

"It's a lot of fun. When my wife came through the door, I told the firefighters they couldn't harass her for her vote," said Williamson. "Just bringing the friendly competition, it's big for me, and we like to poke fun at each other. We do it on scene when it's appropriate, and just give each other a hard time."

After final results were tallied Thursday night, Grand Island tallied 52 donations, Kearney had 58, and Hastings had the most with 136 for a total of 246 donations. 

The coveted Hastings plaque is staying with the fire department for the third consecutive year as they received 75 donations to the police's 61 donations.