Battle of the badges
First responders hit the field for charity
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NILES -- The annual police vs. fire department softball game became a battle between Trumbull and Mahoning counties Saturday at 717 Credit Union Field at Eastwood with the Youngstown Fire Department winning the day.
A game between the Warren fire and police departments was followed by a game between the Youngstown fire and police departments. The winners of the first two games faced off in a final showdown for first-responder bragging rights.
"I felt that this would be a good way for our officers to come together, not only our department but Warren PD, and join the fire departments for some old-fashioned camaraderie. I also believed it would be a great thing for the community to see us all together," said Youngstown Police Department Union President Mike Quinn.
Cory Manofsky, a Warren firefighter and organizer of the fundraising event, saw the possibility of creating goodwill through sport.
"This event gives family, friends and our community a rare opportunity to come together and watch our local safety services battle it out in a little friendly competition, while raising money for a good cause," said Manofsky.
The Mahoning Valley Scrappers split the entrance fee 50/50 to help the winner donate to the charity of its choice.
Built-in rivalry between the two safety services adds to the competition on the field.
"Police and fire have a longstanding tradition of friendly rivalry, but at the end of the day they share the same goal of serving, protecting and giving back to the communities they call home," said Manofsky.
In the first game between the Warren Fire Department and the Warren Police Department, the fire department advanced to the finals.
Warren Firefighter Gary Deuble said that it felt so good to win.
Warren Police Officer Christian Thoma saw the positivity of the games. "It is great public relations for the fire and police departments. It gives the community a chance to interact with us and be more comfortable when they see us doing our jobs," said Warren Firefighter Darshun Williams played on the team for the first time. He said he had a lot of fun and thought the event was a way for the departments to stay in tune with each other.
After a 15-minute lunch break, the second game featured the Youngstown Fire Department versus Youngstown Police Department. Again, the fire department won.
The final game between Warren and Youngstown fire departments took place just before thunderstorms passed through the area.
Though all the players enjoyed themselves playing on a professional ball field, there could only be one winner.
The bragging rights went to the Youngstown Fire Department.
Event sponsor Disaster Recovery Services provided a trophy as well as lunch for the participants.
Reggie Rooks, Disaster RecoveryServices owner, said the event is a great way to bring local first responders together and to thank them for all they do for our community throughout the year.
Though it was a competition between first responders, there was a lot of hugging, teasing and camaraderie on and off the field. Each game ended with a handshake line between the teams.
Manofsky saw the event as a success for numerous reasons.
"Battle of the Badges is about more than who wins the game. It is about building brotherhood, bringing our communities together, supporting a great cause and recognizing the men and women who are there for us when we need them most," he said.