Friendly competition amongst police officers could potentially save 153 lives

What started as a friendly competition among local police has potentially saved lives.

Perth County Auxiliary OPP members led a challenge where Perth OPP, Huron OPP and Stratford Police competed in a blood drive.

As a result, 153 lives have potentially been saved.

Const. Evan Polini, media relations for Perth OPP, explained that every unit of blood donated has the potential to save three lives. 

“Police officers are highly invested in saving lives, so any opportunity we can do that, we’re gonna look for those and gives back.”

Teams competed to see which police service could donate the most units of blood.

On Wednesday (March 12), a ceremony was held at the Sebringville OPP Detachment where the results were announced and a winner declared.

Across the three teams, 51 units of blood were donated; 10 from Stratrd Police Service, 15 units from Huron OPP and 26 units from Perth OPP.

The winning officers were presented with a trophy from Canadian Blood Services.

And the losing team, Stratford Police Service, got a sweet treat – a pie in the face.

Polini expressed the importance of donating blood for Canada’s lifeline.

“The message we want to keep putting out to people is ‘blood – it is in you to give’ that’s what they always say, and we encourage people to continue to donate blood and potentially save lives.”

To learn more about Canadian Blood Services, visit blood.ca.