FARMVILLE — Almost 60 units of blood were collected at the sixth annual Heartland Heroes Blood Drive on April 1.

According to a press release from the Farmville Police Department, the drive was a joint effort between the department and the Farmville Volunteer Fire Department, working with the American Red Cross.

“Blood donors were asked to donate blood in honor of the police or fire department,” the release stated. “The department generating the most donations, and winner of the 2016 Heartland Heroes Blood Drive trophy was the Farmville Police Department. However, it was a close contest, and unfortunately fire department personnel had to leave (in the middle of the drive) to battle a large fire in Cumberland County.”

The donations have the potential to save 177 lives, police said. “The Farmville Police Department and the Farmville Fire Department wish to thank the Farmville Women’s Club and John’s Memorial Episcopal Church for their assistance in making the blood drive a success. We especially thank those who took time from their schedules and donated blood.”