Teamwork is a hallmark within the Los Angeles Police Department, according to Capt. Vito Palazzolo, commanding officer for the LAPD’s Olympic Division. That’s why authorities are partnering with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center this week for “Battle of the Badges”, a blood donation competition between five police stations under the LAPD’s Operations West Bureau.

Officer Dora Born with the Olympic Divison, left, donates blood for the “Battle of the Badges” blood donation competition. (photo by Edwin Folven)

The blood drive competition was held on Monday at the Olympic and Pacific divisions, and Wednesday at the West Los Angeles Division. The competition will continue today at the Wilshire Division from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the Hollywood Division from 2 to 7:30 p.m. Members of the public are invited to join personnel from the police stations in donating blood.

“We try to give back to the community, and I have always donated when we have a blood drive,” said Officer Dora Born, with the Olympic Division.

Shawn Wittmier, supervisor of blood donor services for Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, said the need for blood is critical. The hospital is a trauma center serving the Hollywood, West Hollywood and Wilshire areas, as well as the surrounding region. More than 60,000 units of blood are used at the medical center annually.

“We are happy to help,” Palazzolo said. “Our officers have been the recipients of the blood, and victims are taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center when needed, so anything we can do to help.”

Wittmier said blood drives have been held previously at the individual police stations, but it is the first time a “Battle of the Badges” competition has been held. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center will provide lunch for personnel at the station with the highest number of donations.

On Monday, 21 individuals donated blood at the Olympic Division, and 43 people donated at the Pacific Division. The totals from the blood drive Wednesday at the West Los Angeles Division were not available at press time. Authorities are hoping for a large turnout at the Wilshire and Hollywood divisions.

“If anyone in the community is able to donate, they are welcome to come down,” Wittmier added.

The Wilshire Division is located at 4861 W. Venice Blvd.; the Hollywood Division is located at 1358 N. Wilcox Ave. For information, call (310)423-5346, or visit www.donatebloodcedars.org.