Fire dept. achieves Premier Blood Partner status

Graafschap Fire Department has been recognized by the American Red Cross as one of its Premier Blood Partners for 2026 for its support of the community and national blood supply.

Last year, Graafschap Fire Department helped the Red Cross collect 215 blood donations as part of its deep-rooted commitment to help save the lives of patients facing illnesses and injuries in this community and across the country.

“Graafschap Fire Department is proud to be a part of the Red Cross mission that helps ensure lifesaving blood is available for hospital patients in need,” said Capt. Dave Grumney at Graafschap Fire Department. “Our organization shares that same humanitarian value to help our neighbors, and we are grateful for the opportunity to host blood drives that will do just that here in our community.”

The Premier Blood Partners program is for top blood drive partners and offers recognition to the highest contributing sponsors, according to the Red Cross website.

Every day, volunteer blood and platelet donors across the country are needed to help save lives. Blood and platelets are needed for accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease, according to the Red Cross.

Graafschap Fire Department started hosting blood drives in 2023.

Next blood drive

Graafschap Fire Department will host a Red Cross blood drive on May 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the fire station, 4534 60^th St. Community members are urged to come out and roll up a sleeve.

“Blood donations are essential to the health of our community. We encourage those who can join us to give the gift of life. The donation process only takes about an hour and can make an enormous difference for a patient battling illness or injury,” said Grumney.

To schedule an appointment to donate blood at The Graafschap Fire Department, click here or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Donors of all blood types are needed. Blood is a perishable product that can only come from volunteer blood donors. 

About the department

Graafschap Fire Department responds to fire, medical and other emergency situations in all of Laketown Township and part of Fillmore Township, and assists other agencies as needed.

The department also takes a proactive approach to prevention, offering free home safety inspections, free blood pressure checks on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon at the firehouse, 4534 60th St., and blood drives as part of its Community Risk Reduction Program.

Community Risk Reduction Program efforts totaled 154 hours in 2025 and included school visits, smoke alarm installations, weekly blood pressure screenings, home safety audits, CPR classes, and business pre-plans.

For more information, click here.