FREEPORT — Members of the Freeport fire and police departments shared court time Saturday as they battled to see which group of public service representatives could handle the pressure better. The Battle of the Badges was hosted by Freeport Aquin High School, and it marked the second year the fundraising event was held.
The monies raised during the day of games is used for charitable events, benefiting some of the residents of Freeport. Projects working through the Police Benevolent Protection Association such as Special Olympics and Shop with a Cop receive funds.
Prior to the 2 p.m. tip-off, little battlers took to the court with the assistance of the Highland boys' basketball team. Children ages 3 and older were taught many of the drills the members of the boys' basketball team work through every day at practice. For those not quite strong enough to take their shots at the rim, a hula hoop was empowered to act as a movable host for shots.
Highland College first-year head coach Wes Bertram said his players truly enjoyed the chance to interact with the kids.
“They loved being here and it was good to see the players come out of their comfort zone a little bit. They got to see what kind of an impact they can have on the younger athletes. Some of the kids were amazed just to be playing basketball against a 6-foot-9 guy!”
The warmup session wound down just before all those in attendance stood for the national anthem and explanation of rules. Fire personnel wore blazed red jerseys, with the men-in-blue dressed in white. At tip-off the consensus favorite was the police department, which brought a large contingent of 18 players. The fire department countered with seven gladiators. They were heavily favored to repeat as champion.
Things didn't start quite as planned for the defending champions. They ran into hot outside shooting and fell back in a hurry. They wouldn't score their first basket until the 11:03 mark in the first half. Those points were scored from the free throw line. A little less than a minute later they got their first field goal. The lead was 13-4 in favor of the Freeport Fire Department.
The lead extended to 17-4 in favor of the underdog firemen. The teams exchanged scores to close the first half with the fire department entering the break with a 23-10 advantage.
The police department struck first in the second and managed to pull back to within eight points with 13:45 to go in the game. The fire department responded and rebuilt the 13-point edge by the 10-minute mark. The final five minutes proved to be much more successful for the hopeful-repeat champions. With the lead 45-26 in favor of the fire department, police reserves were called in. The game changed.
The junior shooters, ranging anywhere from 3-foot-5 to 5 feet took advantage of their open looks and five to six-point baskets. The lead dwindled for the fire department. With a minute to go in the game they trailed for the first time in the game. Time wound down with the police department completing the comeback attempt and winning 48-45.
Talk has already begun on making sure the games continue next year. Fans in attendance stood in appreciation of the efforts put forth by both the Freeport Fire Department and Freeport Police Department.