Law enforcement and firefighters square off in softball tournament for charity next weekend

HOUSTON COUNTY — Law enforcement and firefighters across the county will face off against each other in a softball tournament at the Westfield School on Saturday, May 9. 

Gates will open at 8:30 a.m. with games beginning at 9 a.m. Individual tickets will be sold at the gate for $5, and family tickets for $10. 

The tournament is hosted by Operation Arresting Hunger, a local non-profit organization. 

“[We] raise money throughout the year to feed less fortunate members of the community for Thanksgiving, and also provide Christmas gifts for the children in our community as well,” Houston County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Kevin Taylor said. 

Taylor said all of the proceeds will go to first responders who have been seriously injured in the line of duty or those who have underlying medical conditions. 

Taylor said that there always was some sort of friendly rivalry between law enforcement and firefighters each claiming they do more work than the other. The tournament will combine all agencies in Houston County law enforcement on one team and firefighters of all agencies on the other.

“It will build camaraderie,” he said. “Some departments haven’t really interacted with others, so they can build relationships and share resources which ultimately make Houston County a safer place to live in.” 

Taylor will be one of the coaches on the law enforcement side and is looking forward to our neighboring first responders interacting with each other and building relationships. 

He believes competing against one another will strengthen those relationships. 

“For the most part, firefighters and law enforcement are known to have played some sort of sports and been on a team, and that brings back the youth that we used to have,” he said. “It brings back memories of playing outside, and now we’re doing it for a good cause.” 

Taylor also thanked the Westfield School for allowing them access to their campus to have this softball tournament. 

To learn more about Operation Arresting Hunger, go to www.operationarrestinghunger.com