The Plano Police Department was honored more than once at Plano City Council's meeting July 28 for its regional cooperation with surrounding cities and its joint efforts with the fire department in blood donations.

Police Chief Greg Rushin accepted an award from North Central Texas Council of Governments in recognition of the department's cooperation and sharing of services with the surrounding cities of Arlington, Carrolton, Euless and Grand Prairie. The honor stemmed from Plano's use of the electronic warrants, payments and shared services program, Mayor Harry LaRosiliere said.

The program allows for an individual to post bond electronically after police have made an arrest, Rushin said. The program increases efficiency, especially when local police make an arrest of an individual from another city. Rather than going through a transfer process and jailing, Rushin said the program allows alleged violators to use a credit card, either on the scene or at the jail, to place a bond.

"It saves us time, and our officers are on the street to keep the city safer. It's really a win-win for everybody," Rushin said.

Rushin also accepted the trophy for winning the 10th annual Battle of the Badges blood drive July 5–13, which pits the Plano Police Department against the Plano Fire Department. This year's event resulted in the collection of 342 units of blood, said Brenda Horn, representative of Carter BloodCare.

"The summer months are really, really bad for blood bankers," she said. "[Plano Police and Fire] step up to the plate every year at the very worst time, which is right around the July 4th holiday. The blood they bring in truly is a gift."