FDNY and NYPD Announce Results of 2025 Blood Donation Competition
August 12, 2025
Bravest Beat Finest in Lifesaving Blood Drive Competition
The Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) and the New York City Police Department (NYPD), in partnership with the New York Blood Center (NYBC), today announced the results of the 2025 Bravest vs Finest Blood Donation Competition at FDNY Headquarters in Brooklyn.
During the four-week campaign, the FDNY came out on top, with more than 1,100 donations and a nearly 7% participation rate. The NYPD had nearly 1,600 donations, reaching nearly 4% participation. In total, the donations from the two agencies saved 8,124 lives.
"There are really no losers in this contest. This competition shows the best of New York City: two agencies committed to public safety joined forces to save lives," said FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker. "I'm proud of the FDNY and NYPD members who participated and all New Yorkers who stepped up to help save lives on our behalf. Thanks to the New York Blood Center for an exciting partnership that means the difference between life and death."
"Competitions like this aren't about winners or losers — they're about uniting New Yorkers behind a greater cause," said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. "I congratulate the FDNY on their strong showing in this blood drive and together our efforts helped save more than 8,000 lives. I'm grateful to the New York Blood Center for their unwavering commitment to providing this city with a critical lifeline, and to the members of the NYPD who continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with all our first responders to keep New Yorkers safe."
"We are grateful for the dedication, partnership, and enthusiasm of the brave men and women of the FDNY and NYPD, who serve and protect our city and New Yorkers every day. That relentless dedication includes ensuring that our local hospitals always have a strong blood supply for those in need," said Jeannie Mascolino, Vice President of Regional Operations at New York Blood Center. "We congratulate the FDNY on their victory and bragging rights in this year's Bravest vs. Finest friendly competition, but it is all New Yorkers who are the true winners. The FDNY and NYPD have come together in true NYC fashion to build and protect the city's critical blood inventory this summer."
The friendly rivalry between the Bravest and the Finest ran from Monday, June 23, 2025, to Sunday, July 20, 2025, at all FDNY and NYPD sponsored blood drives, NYBC donor centers, and other community blood drives. The goal was to help address the urgent need for blood donations during the summer, a time when blood supplies can run low. On June 2, the New York Blood Center declared a blood emergency following a sharp and sustained drop in blood donations in New York and New Jersey.
Eligible New Yorkers can donate blood every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. To make an appointment, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit nybc.org.