The friendly rivalry between firefighters and law enforcement was on full display Saturday during the 2nd Annual Battle of the Badges charity softball game as Wimberley Fire Rescue put out the Hays County Sheriff’s Office 26-23. At least that is what they think the score was.
The event drew a crowd to the Wimberley ISD Baseball/ Softball Complex, where spectators enjoyed kettle corn, cotton candy, hot dogs, raffles and plenty of laughs as the two teams battled it out. There were Wimberley Texan cheerleaders, a dizzy bat race, a water balloon batting contest and a firefighter geardonning competition as well.
The game was a close one, with the lead shifting several times before Wimberley Fire Rescue claimed the victory. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the score was 26-23, however the firefighters said it was 26-24. Either way, they agreed that Wimberley Fire won for the second year in a row.
Fire Chief Christopher Robbins said the competition is about much more than just bragging rights.
“All of the proceeds go to the American Cancer Society and the Wimberley Youth Sports Association,” Robbins said. “It was awesome this year — we had a great turnout, and we were fortunate to retain the title as champions. It was a back-and-forth battle all night long.”
While the rivalry between firefighters and police officers might be long-standing, Robbins said it’s built on respect and camaraderie.
“There’s always a healthy rivalry between fire and police,” he said. “There truly is no bad blood, especially in Wimberley. We rely on each other so much, and this event is just an opportunity to have some fun, spend time together outside of emergencies, and strengthen those relationships.”
The event’s sponsors including Quantum Towing, Ally Medical, Hays County Alumni Association, Wimberley Ace Hardware & Gift, Wimberley National Mini Golf, Bandy’s Pest Control, Pickle Y’all, Sonora Bank, and Ozona Bank.
And this was just a warm up. There is a new competition coming to Hays County. The Kyle Police Department is hosting a charity softball tournament on Nov. 8 at Lehman Field in Kyle. In addition to the Kyle Police, the Sheriff’s and Wimberley Fire, San Marcos Police Department is expected to field a team as well as the Hays County Constable’s Office Precinct 2.
