Southern Alberta first responders give back and face off for 'Sirens for Life'
Emergency service workers in southern Alberta are answering the call to help save lives as part of this year's "Sirens for Life" challenge by donating blood and plasma.
Lethbridge’s police and departments, as well as Coaldale and Taber’s fire crews, are taking part in the friendly competition to see who can bring in the most blood and plasma donations this February.
"This is a product that we have in our body that's easily replaceable," said Lethbridge’s chief of police, Shahin Mehdizadeh.
"So for us to kind of contribute in hopes of saving somebody's life, you can't put a value on that."
The campaign goal is to collect 200 donations and bring in 100 new donors.
Sirens for Life was created to inspire others to become blood and plasma donors and residents can come and donate toward any of the teams.
"You can pick a team to be supportive of, so you don't have to be a police officer to be on the police partner for life team," said Brenna Scott, the Lethbridge Plasma Donor Centre’s business development manager.
"So, we're hoping to get some community members involved in those teams as well."
Mehdizadeh, along with Taber’s fire chief, Steve Munshaw, say there's nothing better than a face-off between friends that will help save lives.
"Friendly competition really builds morale and supports the community," Munshaw told CTV News.
"This is one of those great ways to kick off and help other people as we continue to do that every day in our work."
"Competition is always good," said Mehdizadeh.
"These are healthy competitions, but I also have the attitude that we don't need to wait for a competition to go and do this."
In addition, Lethbridge and Coaldale's mayors were also down to show their support.
"Currently, the need for plasma in Canada is four times more than what's currently being donated and I think it's important for all of us to do our part," said Coaldale Mayor Jack Van Rijn.
"To be able to have these first responders out and giving back to the community is great and we encourage everyone to come in here and be part of the Sirens for Life," added Lethbridge Mayor Blaine Hyggen.
This was the second Sirens for Life campaign the Lethbridge Plasma Donor Centre has run, with the first happening last summer.
Calgary, Edmonton and Red Deer held their Sirens for Life challenges in January.
To register, you can contact Canadian Blood Services.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Thieves use stolen forklift to rip cash machine out of U.K. bank
Police in the U.K. are searching for a group of suspects seen on video using a forklift to steal a cash machine from a bank.
'There was a lot of black smoke': Crane operator sounds alarm while trapped during highrise fire in Halifax
A tower crane operator alerted emergency crews after noticing a fire on a construction site in Halifax Tuesday morning.