MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — On Sunday, Miami Beach firefighters kicked off Fire Prevention Week with the city’s first-ever “Battle of the Badges.”

The event, hosted by the Gift of Life Marrow Registry, was designed to raise awareness about curing blood cancer and to bring the community together for a good cause.

The family-friendly competition pitted police officers against firefighters in a friendly burger-grilling showdown. Internationally renowned chef Todd English joined the judges’ panel to help crown the winner.

“My passion is for the people that I serve — both the community and the men and women who risk their lives out there every day to protect this community,” said Assistant Chief Daniel Morgalo of the Miami Beach Police Department.

“To see our city come together to save lives — the whole idea is to get diversity and join the registry. What better place than the city of Miami Beach?” said Robyn Malek, director of development for the Gift of Life Marrow Registry.

In a moving moment during the event, a marrow donor met her recipient for the very first time — a powerful reminder of the organization’s lifesaving mission.

Visitors were also encouraged to stop by the swabbing tent, where they could join the marrow registry with a simple cheek swab.

In addition to the heartfelt reunion, guests had a chance to try on firefighter bunker gear and meet the department’s fire pups.

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