First responders square off to promote blood drive

Dec. 30--TUPELO -- A friendly hamburger eating contest Tuesday night kicked off the first Battle of the Badges Blood Drive.

Representatives of the Tupelo Police Department, the Tupelo Fire Department, the Lee County Sheriff's Office and WTVA converged at Mugshots in downtown Tupelo to see whose champion eater could down the massive, towering burger (1.5 pounds of beef plus six slices of bacon), onion rings and fries the quickest. Mugshots rules allow just 12 minutes to consume everything.

"I read that you should eat the meat first and then the bread, because the carbs will expand," said WTVA meteorologist Joel Young.

Lee County Sheriff's deputy Sam Warren didn't eat all day in preparation.

"There is no real strategy, other than eat fast," said Tupelo Fire Marshal Jason Cross. "Since there are only 12 minutes, there is not really time to separate the meat and bread."

Tupelo Policeman Eric Grissom was pressed into service late, but he agreed to help out for the good cause.

All four contestants started off fast. But 10 minutes in, the real race was between Cross and Warren. Neither had a chance to finish the challenge in the allotted time. After scrutinizing the plates, Mugshots assistant manager Will Jordan declared Cross and the Tupelo Fire Department the winner.

"It was fun and for a good cause," Cross said. "It goes along with being a fireman. We are willing to do anything we can to help out the community."

The eating contest was a light-hearted start to a serious blood drive. Today and Thursday, people can stop by the coliseum in downtown Tupelo, donate life-saving blood and support the first responders of their choice. The BancorpSouth Arena is located at 375 E. Main St.

Donors will receive a Battle of the Badges T-shirt and a movie ticket voucher from Fandango.com, while supplies last. There will also be hourly door prizes provided by the sponsors and local businesses.

"While all blood types are needed, United Blood Services is experiencing an increased need for type O negative red cells and type AB plasma donations," said UBS regional director Lee Hartman. "Type O negative blood is the only type that can safely be given to patients of all blood types. Type AB is the universal donor for plasma."

Volunteer blood donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Additional height/weight requirements apply to donors 22 and younger. Donors who are 16 must have signed permission from a parent are guardian.

william.moore@journalinc.com

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