By Noelani Mathews | WCTV Eyewitness News

VALDOSTA – City police and firemen came together for their 3rd annual blood drive on Thursday.

In the past, they’ve made it a friendly competition by calling it a ‘battle of the badges.’

They say that’s all changing this year, after recent attacks on first responders.

Instead of separating the departments, they united and challenged the community to show support by donating as well.

“We’re having assaults against police officers, officers being killed or ambushed, and now we’re having threats against the fire community as well and first responders,” says Chief Freddie Broome, with the Valdosta Fire Department. “We felt like it was a good opportunity to say we have to unite and we have to come together. Let’s just bring everyone together for a great cause of saving lives.”

The American Red Cross says one pint of blood can save up to three lives.

This year, the blood drive was able to raise 40 pints.