By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
It was dubbed the “Battle of the Badges,” but the biggest skirmishes took place as players swung for the fences and slid into home.
On Sunday afternoon, the City of Bowling Green Fire and Police Divisions participated in the inaugural Battle of the Badges at Carter Park. The teams came together for a friendly and spirited game of softball, to raise funds for the Fraternal Order of Police Cops and Kids program.
Families and friends of both divisions helped raise $2,000 for the charity that pairs children up with law enforcement officers to go Christmas shopping.
The game was a nail-biter right up to the end, with the teams tied going into the bottom of the ninth inning. The deciding hit was made by BGPD Sgt. Tyson Richmond, resulting in a 26-25 victory for the police.
“It was competitive in a fun way,” said BGPD Deputy Chief Adam Skaff. “No one took themselves too seriously. It was evenly matched.”
But the firefighters are already looking forward to taking the trophy next year.
“I believe the fire division can bring home the belt next year,” BGFD Deputy Chief Tony Zmarzly said Monday afternoon.
To kick things off, event organizers Travis Stoudinger of Bowling Green Fire Division, AJ Cox and Scott Frank of the Bowling Green Police Division joined Mayor Mike Aspacher for a coin toss. Firefighter Garrett Koketko performed a rendition of the National Anthem on an electric guitar, followed by Aspacher throwing out the first pitch of the game.
“This event was all about bringing the divisions and their families together, celebrating our first responders, and supporting local programs that make Bowling Green a great place to live,” Aspacher said. “It was an incredible way to kick off this tradition.”
The selling of T-shirts to family and friends raised $2,000 that will go to the Cops and Kids program. Dan Van Vorhis, who organizes that event through the FOP, said the funds should help the program serve more children.
Van Vorhis would like to see the program grow from 187 kids last year to 200 this year. The funding should also give each child a little more to spend on necessities and gifts for themselves and family members.
“Prices have increased and the needs of the families have also increased,” Van Vorhis said. “We have seen the last few years just basic household items that families could use have increased.”
The Cops and Kids program also helps children see law enforcement officers as people there to help.
“It builds positive relationships between officers and kids,” Skaff said.
In addition to raising funds, the softball competition also builds on positive relationships between the community and the fire and police divisions.
“It’s good to see our safety forces outside of work,” Skaff said.
The Battle of the Badges is expected to be repeated next year.
