HASTINGS, Neb. – Central Nebraskans came together this week to donate more than 200 valuable units of blood during a friendly competition between first responders. 

After making stops in Kearney, Grand Island in Hastings in the span of three days, the 2025 Battle of the Badges blood drive received a total of 222 blood donations from the Tri-Cities. 

For the sixth consecutive year, Hastings had the most donations of the Tri-Cities with 110 units given. 

The Kearney drive collected 66 units, and Grand Island had 46 units. 

The blood drive pitted together each city's fire department and police department, with each donor designating their donation towards Team Law Enforcement or Team Fire. 

Some donors gave 'Power Red' donations, which gave them an extra vote. 

In Hastings, the Police Department came out on top, receiving 63 votes to Hastings Fire and Rescue's 56 votes, marking HPD's first triumph over HFR since 2022. 

Grand Island Law Enforcement topped the Grand Island Fire Department by a 38-15 tally. 

According to the Central and Western Red Cross, results in Kearney were not tallied between the two departments. 

The Battle of the Badges will make stops in Norfolk, Sidney, and North Platte later this year.