SALISBURY — A series of fundraisers has been in the works since area first responders heard that  one of their own, Allen Carlyle, a 911 dispatcher and member of the Rowan County Rescue Squad, needs a kidney transplant.

The ongoing efforts, called Challenge of the Badges, will culminate Saturday at Dan Nicholas Park.

Now that the fundraisers have been completed, all the organizers will gather for a day of fellowship from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the park, 6800 Bringle Ferry Road. Families, sponsors and others will attend.

Carlyle, who still works and receives dialysis at home, has continued to rack up medical bills. When he sleeps, Carlyle uses a cycler machine for treatment until he can have a kidney transplant.

“I’m very thankful. I’m humbled,” Carlyle said.

Carlyle said his health status has changed little, but a possible donor who had been a match had some medical problems. A potential donor, Jennifer Grubb, is undergoing testing, but he’s not sure if she’ll be a match.

The idea behind the fundraisers, said Capt. Tim Wyrick of the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, is to have each emergency response department conduct its own. A friendly competition has developed among the Sheriff’s Office, area police agencies, Rowan County Rescue Squad, Rowan EMS, local fire departments and Rowan County Emergency Management.

Saturday’s benefit will include a corn hole tournament and a concert by local musician Darrell Harwood.

The main events will be behind the mini-golf/playground area of the park. The concert will be at the amphitheater.

Barbecue chicken plates are available for $10 before Saturday and for a donation during the fundraiser. Lunch will be served from noon to 3 p.m. The corn hole tournament is from 1 to 4 p.m., and the concert from 4 to 6 p.m.

For more information about the Battle of the Badges fundraiser, visit https://www.rowancountync.gov/ and search under the news section.

Contact reporter Shavonne Walker at 704-797-4253.