FDNY-NYPD blood drive competition increases donations during critical time

August 12, 2025

From June 23 to July 20, members of both the FDNY and NYPD, along with the public, rolled up their sleeves at agency-sponsored blood drives, New York Blood Center (NYBC) donor centers, and community drives across the city. Together, more than 2,700 blood product donations were provided to help meet the urgent need for blood in New York and New Jersey. The donation haul could affect more than 8,000 lives, according to the NYBC.

The drives were part of a friendly competition between the FDNY and the NYPD to help raise awareness of the critical need for blood during the summer months when donations trend downward and trauma incidents increase. 

While the FDNY came out on top, FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker said the real winners are those who rely on the NYBC.

"The winners are the patients who receive the blood," Commissioner Tucker said. "We work together with the NYPD every single day all over New York City, saving lives, and this effort is a continued effort to save lives. While we compete actively in sports against our good friends and partners in the NYPD, this is probably the most important competition that we have because the results really do translate into something significant."

Over the monthlong competition, the FDNY had a 6.6% participation rate, totaling 1,122 blood donations. 

"Everyone wins here," NYPD First Deputy Commissioner Tania Kinsella said. "This was a healthy competition between two partners. This was a great cause."

Jeannie Mascolino, Vice President of Operations with New York Blood Center, said:  "We are so grateful for the timing of this competition. This is the toughest time for our blood supply—We are truly fortunate to have both heroic agencies extend their bravery and support to the lifesaving act of blood donation. Thank you to all who supported the FDNY and NYPD in this competition."