It’s another blood feud between New York’s Bravest and New York’s Finest.
But the only blood being spilled this time will help fill the vital stockpiles of the New York Blood Bank, as the FDNY and NYPD are teaming up to save Big Apple lives.
“What we are competing for here today is not a trophy,” NYPD Chief of Department John Chell told The Post at fire department headquarters in Brooklyn on Tuesday. “It’s something more important. It’s a cause. It’s about making sure that when someone needs blood, there is enough of it on the shelves to save lives.”
The month-long competition will mean a shot at a $500 gift card for the winning department.
The two have long competed for the hearts of New Yorkers, including in traditional hard-fought boxing matches and an annual Heroes Hockey Game.
While the competitive edge isn’t missing from the latest face-off, both departments agree that the stakes are higher this time around — with the feud focused on helping the city.
“Obviously the FDNY is going to win,” FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker said. “We compete all the time on sports fields, but we work hand in glove in the streets to protect the public. This is another way we can help with public safety.
“I know the work that the fire department is doing today and the work the police department is doing today will help save lives like we do every day,” Tucker added.
The effort kicked off on Monday and will run through July 20, with a raffle for the gift card to the winner.
Chell agreed that the two departments are seeing eye-to-eye on this one, but did add one note.
“Just on a personal note, we are going to win this competition,” the NYPD chief quipped.
