Some ‘fun twists’ deliberate for Battle of the Badges | Information, Sports, Jobs

MARSHALL — Marshall’s Sounds of Summer competition is beginning tonight with a brand new occasion. Two groups of emergency responders, from the Marshall Police and the Marshall Fire Department, will likely be competing for bragging rights on the softball diamond.

There’s loads of anticipation main as much as tonight’s Battle of the Badges softball recreation, firefighters and police stated.

“As we get closer to it, everyone is super excited,” stated firefighter Brady Mellenthin, who will likely be among the many MFD members taking part in within the recreation. “We’ve been doing Sounds of Summer for years, and it’s kind of fun to put a little twist on it.”

“I feel like there’s going to be a lot of people there,” stated Sgt. Ben Rieke of the Marshall Police Department. Rieke will likely be main the MPD staff on the recreation. “Obviously the police department and the fire department are excited.”

The Battle of the Badges recreation is a brand new occasion for Sounds of Summer. The motion will begin this night on the Amateur Sports Complex in Marshall. The occasion may also characteristic a meal by the Hitching Post that may increase funds for Marshall youth athletics.

“I think there’s going to be a really good crowd, and the weather’s looking nice,” stated Brock Klaith of the Marshall Sounds of Summer committee. The softball recreation was a enjoyable method to increase the competition one other evening, whereas serving to a great trigger, Klaith stated. Rieke and Deputy Fire Chief Jake Olsen will likely be serving as coaches for the 2 groups.

Klaith and native responders stated the occasion could have some surprises so as to add to the leisure.

“It sounds like there might be some other games between innings,” or different enjoyable twists to the occasion, Rieke stated. However, firefighter Aaron Mathiowetz stated, “Neither side knows what’s going to happen.”

There has been some trash-talking main as much as the sport, although it’s all in good enjoyable, responders stated.

“You’ve always got a little rivalry between firefighters and police,” Rieke stated. “But we love those guys.”

“There’s definitely a rivalry going on,” Mathiowetz stated. “I think we’ve got a good shot at winning.”

Earlier this month, the MPD filmed a humorous video with officers on the ball subject, difficult the fireplace division. Firefighters responded with their very own video. Both clips have gotten some optimistic reactions and shares on Facebook.

Both groups have additionally been making an attempt to get some follow on this summer time to prepare for the sport.

“We’re ready to roll,” Mathiowetz stated of the firefighters’ staff.

Rieke stated MPD officers have additionally held a couple of practices collectively to organize for the occasion.

“We’re going to win,” he stated.

Klaith stated organizers would really like for the Battle of the Badges to turn out to be a daily occasion, presumably that includes different first responder teams from the realm.

“We’re hoping this continues,” he stated.

“We’re very appreciative of Brock for putting it on,” Rieke stated of the Battle of the Badges.

“It’s a good community event,” he stated.

Gates for the Battle of the Badges open at 5:30 on the Amateur Sports Complex. A fundraiser meal by the Hitching Post will likely be $10, and have a hamburger, chips, coleslaw and beverage.