To promote a community blood drive, probationary EMTs and personnel of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) convened at the EMS Academy in Fort Totten on June 4.

The event, according to officials, is a part of the yearly friendly blood donation competition between the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and the FDNY, which takes place throughout June to promote blood donation among New Yorkers. Officials stressed that the major objective is to support the maintenance of the region's blood supply for patients in need, even as the departments vie for the largest contributions.