Kingfisher’s first responders are looking for citizens to support their efforts through blood donation with Oklahoma Blood Institute.

Those who give at the “Guns & Hoses” blood drive Tuesday, Feb. 18, will provide blood needed to save local lives, such as those that firefighters and law enforcement officers rescue.

Anyone 16 years or older can stop by the Kingfisher County Fairgrounds Exhibit Building between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

All donors will receive special-edition “Guns & Hoses” t-shirts.

Although all blood types are needed and donors with O-negative blood are particularly urged to give.

Only 7 percent of the population has this blood type, but it is the ‘universal type’ and can be used in an emergency when a patient’s blood type is not known.

“Kingfisher first responders see the daily need for blood first-hand when the people they rescue require life-saving treatment,” said John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO of Oklahoma Blood Institute.

“We can’t say enough about the service our police officers and firefighters provide and we owe it to them to do our part in making sure blood is available in emergency situations.”

Appointments for the blood drive may be made by calling 877-340-8777 or visiting obi.org.