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Fire departments compete in annual 'Bucket Brigade' to collect lifesaving blood
NORTH COAST, Calif. – Blood Centers of the Pacific and fire departments in Sonoma, Lake and Mendocino counties are partnering for the 8th annual Bucket Brigade Challenge, running from Dec. 9 to Jan. 21.
Fire departments taking part in the challenge enlist community members, neighbors, co-workers, friends and family to give lifesaving blood in an effort to boost the local blood supply, earn the coveted title for their department and carry the Bucket Trophy for the year.
In the previous season’s challenge, fire departments recruited almost 1,000 people who gave 700 units of blood – a tremendous boost to the local blood supply.
Windsor Fire Protection District won the trophy for the fourth time, with Lakeport Fire Department close behind.
The idea of the Bucket Brigade comes from the Great London Fire of 1666 that found community members in “brigades” as they passed buckets of water from the city’s water supply to the blaze that endangered their town.
This modern day Bucket Brigade gathers our community together – not to fight flame, but to save lives through blood donations.
“The Bucket Brigade was created to increase local blood supply during a time when donations are traditionally low as a result of challenging weather, the busy holiday season and impact of flu season,” said Andrea Casson, senior account representative at Blood Centers of the Pacific.
“Fire Departments support us throughout the year and the support during the winter months is critical,” said Casson. “More than 8,000 people have participated in the annual Bucket Brigade. We are thankful for the unwavering community spirit of our local firefighters and residents. The Bucket Brigade has grown into a lifesaving community event.”
Four-time title holder Windsor Fire Protection District challenges all participating departments to increase community involvement in an effort to secure the Bucket Brigade Trophy this season.
“Windsor Fire Protection District’s main goal in participating is to support the always pressing need for blood donations. With the overwhelming support the community of Windsor gives us, we’ve been very fortunate to have high numbers of donors over the past few years. I am always hopeful this will encourage other fire departments to drive hard and try to beat us,” said Windsor Fire Captain Dean Crothers.
Crothers added, “Let’s make this year the best Bucket Brigade yet. The more donations we get throughout the local counties, the more available for those in need. And unfortunately, there’s always a need.”
This season’s challenge is not without heat from strong competitors with a plan on how to earn the trophy – San Antonio Volunteer Fire Department hopes to unseat Windsor Fire Protection District from the throne this year.
“San Antonio Volunteer Fire Department (SAVFD) is participating in the challenge to show their continued support to the community,” said SAVFD fire fighter Jason Zajonc. “SAVFD's goal in this season’s challenge is to have 100 participants through gathering our community supporters, local firefighters and business partners. For all those participating, remember: it helps to save lives.”
Donors receive an event t-shirt, a “mini physical” and “hero reward points,” which can be redeemed for items like movie tickets and ice cream.
In Lake County, blood drive events will take place in December and January.
On Friday, Dec. 20, the South Lake County Fire Protection District will host a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the fire station meeting room, 21095 Highway 175.
From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, the Lakeport Fire Department will host a blood drive at its main station, 445 N Main St.
To find a drive near you and to make an appointment, visit www.bloodheroes.com or call 888-393-GIVE (4483).