First responders give so much to the community through their line of work, and throughout January members of the Airdrie RCMP and the Airdrie Fire Department have gone above and beyond to give back to the community.

Firefighters and police officers have been participating in the 2018 Sirens for Life blood drive, making donations to Canadian Blood Services throughout the month of January.

"What this program is here, is basically encouraging all emergency services such as Fire, police like ourselves, and EMS and ambulance drivers to get out there and give even more than they already do on a daily basis," said Cst. Wayne Wong with Airdrie RCMP.

The drive culminated at last night's blood clinic at the Town & Country Centre, when police officers arrived to contribute their share to local blood banks.

The RCMP sent out a friendly challenge to Airdrie Fire. Matt Elgie, Secretary of the Airdrie Professional Firefighters Association, said members of their crew couldn't take part in last night's clinic but have been making donations at nearby clinics throughout January. He spoke on the importance of taking part in the blood drive.

"For first responders, it is really important that we have a blood bank that is supplied with adequate resources to meet the public's needs because a lot of the patients that we see that are involved in a traumatic incident, they ultimately require a blood donation in order to survive."

Wong echoed that sentiment, saying RCMP see the drive as just another way they can support a community that supports them.

"I know myself, and all the members here know, that while we do give to the community, the community also gives back to us. If we can give just a little bit extra to show how much we appreciate the support we get from the community, everyone here's all for it, especially if it means saving lives."

Canadian Blood Services is keeping a tally of the donations from each department. While those numbers aren't available yet, Wong said they should be known soon.

 

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