Williamson County Battle of the Badges Blood Drive to Honor Franklin Firefighter Battling Cancer
FRANKLIN, Tenn. — Williamson County’s first responders are preparing for a friendly competition with a goal of saving lives. Blood Assurance will host the Williamson County Battle of the Badges Blood Drive on Monday, Aug. 31, at the Williamson County Ag Expo Center. A secondary donation site will also be available at Williamson Medical Center. The event will honor Franklin Fire Engineer-Paramedic Alex Enochs, who was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma on June 23, 2026.
“While this diagnosis wasn’t what I expected, my faith remains strong,” Enochs said. “With God as my Savior, I know I don’t face this battle alone. I am a fighter, and I’m surrounded by an incredible support system, especially my amazing wife, Samantha, along with so many family members and friends. Together, with faith, determination, and the support of those around me, I fully intend to defeat this disease.”
The drive comes as the nation faces a critical blood shortage. Because blood cannot be manufactured and no substitute can fully replace donated blood, hospitals depend on volunteer donors to help care for patients. Cancer patients are among the many people who often depend on blood and platelet transfusions during treatment. Hospitals also use donated blood to treat trauma patients, surgical patients, mothers experiencing complications during childbirth and people living with chronic illnesses.
Williamson Health administers about 250 transfusions of blood or blood products each month, and organizers hope to welcome at least 250 donors during the Battle of the Badges. Blood Assurance is the sole provider of blood products for Williamson Health and the primary blood supplier for most hospitals in Middle Tennessee. Donations made through the organization help support patients close to home.
“In healthcare, strong partnerships save lives, and our 10-year collaboration with Blood Assurance is a powerful example of that,” said Patti Walton, Williamson Health Associate Administrator for Operations. “Together, we’ve worked to ensure lifesaving blood products are always available for patients throughout our community while also advancing innovative initiatives, like carrying blood on our ambulances to begin critical treatment before patients arrive at the hospital. The Battle of the Badges Blood Drive is the latest example of what we can accomplish when healthcare providers, first responders and our community come together.”
Every donor will cast a vote for a favorite participating agency. The agency receiving the most votes will take home a trophy and countywide bragging rights. While only one team can win, every participating agency and donor will help strengthen the blood supply for patients at Williamson Health and other Middle Tennessee hospitals. As an added thank-you, donors will receive a $25 e-gift card and a limited-edition Battle of the Badges T-shirt.
Williamson Health EMS is leading the drive, with participation from the Williamson County Department of Emergency Communications (911), Franklin Fire Department, Fairview Fire Department, and the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. The Williamson County Ag Expo Center has donated the space for the event.
“This drive represents what Williamson Health EMS and our public safety colleagues do best: coming together to support one of our own while helping patients throughout the community,” said EMS Chief Michael Wallace. “Alex has dedicated his career to helping others during some of their most difficult moments. We hope the community will now rally around him and help save lives in his honor.”
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Monday, Aug. 31, 2026
Time: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Primary Donation Site: Williamson County Ag Expo Center
Address: 4215 Long Lane, Franklin, TN 37064
Secondary Donation Site: Willoughby Rooms, Williamson Medical Center
Location note: Inside the main entrance
Address: 4321 Carothers Parkway, Franklin, TN 37067
Donor thank-you: $25 e-gift card and limited-edition Battle of the Badges T-shirt
Appointments: BloodAssurance.org or 800-962-0628. Walk-ins are also welcome.
Donor eligibility: Donors must be at least 17 years old, or 16 with parental consent, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in generally good health. Donors should eat an iron-rich meal, drink plenty of fluids, avoid caffeine before donating, and bring a photo ID.
About Blood Assurance
Blood Assurance is a nonprofit, full-service regional blood center serving more than 70 healthcare facilities in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, and North Carolina. Founded in 1972 as a joint effort of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society, the Chattanooga Area Hospital Council, and the Chattanooga Jaycees, Blood Assurance’s mission is to provide a safe and adequate supply of blood and blood components to every area patient in need.
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