The Lethbridge Bulls are teaming up with local first responders to host a special game.
The annual ‘Battle of the Badges’ is set for Friday, June 27 at Spitz Stadium.
The event features members of the Lethbridge Police Service and Lethbridge Fire & EMS duking it out on the diamond. The slo-pitch game helps raise funds for local charities, with officials from the Bulls and the City of Lethbridge also involved in the fun.
“It just really brings us together on the field and recognizes that community service,” says David Skilling, a firefighter/paramedic with the local department and president of the Lethbridge Firefighters Charities Association.
The association is a group of firefighters who partake in events that raise funds for different charities that support the wellness of first responders and their families.
Skilling says the softball game provides an opportunity to recognize the work of first responders in a positive setting.
“When we’re responding [to emergency scenarios], typically it’s – for the community and residents – some of their worst days and so for us to get out here and just really celebrate our two services in a more light-hearted, spirited, friendly competition, I think it’s really great for the community,” he remarks.
Sgt. Jay McMillan with the Lethbridge Police Service says his team will be supporting the advancement and improvement of cardiac care through the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation and the ‘Bringing Hearts Home’ campaign.
“I hope it has an enormous impact [on] the charities,” he states, adding he is really focused on what they can do for the community.
McMillan adds the reality is, police officers do have negative interactions with the public, but there are plenty of positive ones on a day-to-day basis. He says an event like ‘Battle of the Badges’ can help create even more positive interactions moving forward.
“To be able to come here and be part of this event and play with our brothers and sisters from another first responders’ agency at the Lethbridge Fire Department, it’s a pleasure. It’s fun and I think it’s productive and I think it’s helpful for our community,” he notes.
The event was first held in 2016, with games happening every year until 2019. The pandemic led to a pause until the ‘Battle of the Badges’ returned last year.
The LPS team won every year from 2016 and 2019, but the LFES squad earned the victory in 2024, and hopes to repeat this year.
“I won’t speak to previous years, I’m just going to speak to last year, and that LFES was the winner, and we are looking at, I believe the word ‘dynasty’, is getting thrown around loosely,” Skilling says with a laugh.
Kevin Kvame, the president and general manager of the Lethbridge Bulls, says the club is very excited for this summer’s event.
He notes that the ‘Battle of the Badges’ will kick-off with a tailgate party at 5 p.m., and feature an outdoor barbecue, live DJ, drinks and family-friendly activities. Attendees will be able to meet first responders and check out their vehicles.
On recognizing first responders, Kvame referred to them as “the fabric of our community”.
“They keep us safe and it’s just a celebration of what they mean to our community, and a chance for the citizens to come out and interact with them in a really positive way.”
The first pitch in the ‘Battle of the Badges’ is at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 27.
Tickets for the game are available at the Lethbridge Bulls website.
