The “ Battle of the Badges” was new to us this year at KHS. But, the Police vs. Fire event was originally called “Guns and Hoses.” This event was started as a benefit for Kevin Stewart, an officer that was injured in the line of duty. It had been around for 15 years, but was not played for a couple of years due to COVID, but it is back this year.
The Battle of the Badges took place on May 6 at Driller Park. This was a charity softball game hosted by the KHS Student Council and all of the proceeds will go to support the Christmas program to help the KPD and Student Council.
The Kilgore Police Department took home the trophy for the 2024 Battle of the Badges. Winning with the score of 1-7.
“We used a softball because we are too slow to catch a baseball,” Police Chief Todd Hunter said.
There is friendly tension between the KPD and KFD because KFD has never won the trophy.
The KPD held practices before the big game so they would be prepared.
“I believe the police have been cheating and holding practices,” Fire Chief Mark Henderson said.
The KFD did not hold any practices before the big game but they were incorporating their everyday training into softball.
“They had been sliding into 3rd when they arrive on scene for fires,” Henderson said.
The KPD had a cheer team at the game to support them called the Miss Demeanors. They were dressed in the Kilgore Bulldog Bed and Breakfast orange jumpsuits.
This game was umpired by 3 high school students, and 5 high school students played with each department.
“We really wanted to get the students and community involved to come out and see us,” Hunter said.
This KPD and KFD were honored to be a part of this game. It was a great opportunity for them to have a good time while helping out the community. The city, KHS, and community of Kilgore is honored to have such amazing first responders.
