JACKSONVILLE, Onslow County — Jacksonville police and firefighters faced off Thursday, Aug. 27, in a friendly competition aimed at helping save lives.
The departments took part in an annual blood drive in partnership with the American Red Cross.
Jacksonville police said the final count was 67 to 59, with police coming up short in this year’s competition.
Despite the loss, the department said the bigger victory was the number of people who came out to donate.
According to Jacksonville police, American Red Cross staff said a large portion of the blood collected Thursday came from walk-in donors.
The department thanked first responders, community members and Red Cross staff for taking part in the Aug. 27 event.
Police also kept the rivalry going after the event, joking on social media that they still believe police are better than fire.
The department said the event was ultimately about seeing the community come together for a greater cause.