Douglas County's Second Annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive March 24-25

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Castle Rock Police Department and Castle Rock Fire and Rescue are leading the second annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive, set for Tuesday, March 24 at Parker Fieldhouse, 18700 Plaza Drive, and Wednesday, March 25 at the James R. Sullivan Events Center at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 500 Fairgrounds Drive. CRFD Updates posted Feb. 25, 2026, announced the return and framed the drive as a countywide competition between Team Law and Team Fire.

Last year’s inaugural Battle of the Badges produced 212 units of blood, which county officials said was enough to save and enhance the lives of up to 633 patients. The county breakdown showed 111 units collected on Day 1, 70 units on Day 2, and 31 units processed through Vitalant; 39 donors were first-time participants, according to the Castle Rock government release.

Organizers preserved the competitive mechanic that asks donors to choose a side as they give. CRFD Updates explained, “Donors will decide who will bring home the trophy for the most blood donations by voting for their favorite: Team Law or Team Fire.” The announcement added, “The Castle Rock Police Department and Castle Rock Fire and Rescue will join other Douglas County first responders and the community to make a lifesaving difference.”

Logistics for donors are specific: the Parker Fieldhouse drive will run from noon to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24, and the James R. Sullivan Events Center drive will run from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25. The CRFD Updates post urged donors to sign up ahead of time through Vitalant’s Douglas County Battle sign-up page to streamline check-in and keep lines moving.

Public health context from regional Red Cross material underscores the stakes. Winter weather and seasonal illnesses can force cancellations and temporarily make donors ineligible, and regional Red Cross sources warned that shortages are especially serious for blood types O, A negative and B negative. The Red Cross also recommends tools that allow donors to complete pre-donation health history and reading online to save time at the collection site.

CRFD Updates framed the return as both a community event and a measurable contribution: “After an overwhelmingly successful first year, the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive is back for Round 2.” The post concluded with an appeal to civic duty and competition, noting, “Regardless of who earns the bragging rights, the entire community wins.” If Douglas County matches last year’s yield of 212 units during the March 24-25 drive, that level of donations would again be sufficient to benefit up to 633 patients.