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City officers, firefighters plan softball game for school supplies
Softball game
McMinnville police officers and firefighters are hitting the dirt for some friendly competition for a good cause at the inaugural Battle of the Badges Softball Game. Pictured, from left, are Chris McCormick, Katelyn Cannon, Jay Hutchings, Eddie Colwell, Sarah Medley, Scott Norrod, Brian Maynard, and Randy Conatser.

McMinnville Police Department and McMinnville Fire Department will be facing off on the field for a good cause during the inaugural Battle of the Badges softball game Friday, Aug. 5.

Firefighter Scott Norrod and McMinnville Police Department’s Sarah Medley organized this event. Not only will the game promote healthy competition, it will also help get school supplies to students in need. The school supplies will be donated to local teachers.

The game will take place on Cat Walker Field and admission is free, but organizers would like for everyone to bring school supply donations. Everyone who brings schools supplies will be entered in a drawing for door prizes.

“We are doing a drawing and giving away gift cards and different stuff like that. Things have been donated by city employees and some by businesses,” said Medley. “We will donate the school supplies. We have some teachers who have volunteered to work the concessions and work the gate. We are going to have police and fire vehicles to shove the school supplies in.”

Teachers will be recognized before the game and new Warren County High School executive principal Chris Hobbs will be throwing out the first pitch.

As expected, there has been a bit of back and forth between the departments before the big game.

“There has been some healthy trash talk lately,” joked Medley.

“It is one of those things where I can talk bad about the police because they are my brothers and sisters, but you better not,” said Norrod.

Win or lose, the departments are happy to help the community. Norrod hopes to make this an annual event.

“I think regardless, win or lose, we want to come together for the kids and get them the supplies they need,” said Medley.

They encourage everyone coming to wear red to support the fire department or blue to support the police department. Those who have split allegiance can either wear both red and blue or purple to remain neutral.

The game will start at 7 p.m. at Cat Walker Field, located at Milner Recreation Center. If anyone wants to donate school supplies in advance or has any questions, call Medley at 931-259-5073 or Norrod at 931-224-8515.