The Battle of the Badges is coming back to Vicksburg Thursday.

The competition blood drive between the police and fire departments will be held in the Mississippi Blood Services Donor Coach at Wal-Mart, 2150 Iowa Blvd., from noon to 6 p.m. Thursday.

“We want to do it to give back to the community,” Vicksburg deputy police chief Robert Stewart said, adding the demand for blood is high making it necessary to have a good supply. “So many first responders get hurt in the line of duty we would like for an ample supply to be on hand if we had something happen in Mississippi.”

Anyone who gives blood will choose if their donation goes toward the tally for the police or fire department. By choosing police, donors are supporting the Vicksburg Police Department and the Warren County Sheriff’s Office. Choosing fire supports the Vicksburg Fire Department and the Warren County Volunteer Fire Departments.

“It’s just a friendly competition. Those in need are the winners,” Vicksburg deputy fire chief Craig Danczyk said.

Last year, both fire and police departments in Vicksburg were honored at the Mississippi Blood Service Annual Meeting in January for their accomplishments with the 2015 First Responder Group of the Year award.

“We really exceeded our goal, and it was just a really good experience for everybody,” Danczyk said.

He said last year’s participation was much better than expected and a second day had to be added to make sure all who wanted to donate got the opportunity.

“We would love to match or beat that,” Danczyk said. “That’s our goal.”

Plus, donors won’t walk away empty handed.

“They’ll get a free T-shirt, and they’ll also get entered in to win a Jeep that’s going to be given away on Friday,” Stewart said.

Mississippi Blood Services is giving away a 2016 Jeep Renegade that all donors will be registered to win.

“Not only do you get to give blood and help those in need, but there is going to be a winner of a 2016 Jeep,” Danczyk said. “Everybody that participates here in Vicksburg will be in that drawing.”

Mississippi Blood Services recommends donors drink lots of fluids before and after their donation and eat within four hours of giving blood.

Donors will also be able to check their cholesterol on their MBSConnect account.

Last year law enforcement won the competition, but this year it is anyone’s game.

“I feel pretty confident it’s going to be pretty close,” Stewart said.