Guns & Hoses: Billings officers to face off against fire fighters in 2nd annual charity softball game
BILLINGS – Returning from last year’s win, officers with the Billings Police Department are preparing to face off against fire fighters of the Billings Fire Department in the second annual Guns & Hoses charity softball game.
The first pitch is set to take place at 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 9 at Dehler Park and admission is free.
“We’ve been practicing hard and we’re ready for round two,” said Sgt. Nate West of the Billings Police Department.
Just like last year, Sgt. West is coordinating with the fire department and organizing the game.
As the department’s public relations officer, he was looking for a way for both departments to get involved in the community outside of their regular duties.
“Chances are, when people see us, someone is having a bad day. This gives them a chance to come out and see we’re ordinary people just like them,” Sgt. West said.
Funds raised at the game will be split between the Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools and Kids N Cowboys.
There will be a 50/50 raffle, a firefighter boot will be passed around to collect donations, and through a partnership with Faithful Disaster Restoration, every penny of game merchandise sold will be donated.
“We got involved because they are both donating to two great charities, it’s local, and we’re a local company. So we wanted to see what we can do to support the firefighters and the police department to move forward with the game, and make this as big and as fun as possible for our community,” said Dru Brown, head of business development at Faithful Disaster Restoration.
They will sell kids t-shirts for $10 each, or 2 for $18, or 3 for $25.
Adult t-shirts are $12 each or 2 for $20, or 5 for $40.
Wrist bands are $2 each or 3 for $5.
Temporary tattoos will be 6 for $3 or $1 each.
“100% of every penny that people pay for merchandise or donate goes back to fundraising. We aren’t looking to make any money out of this at all, we want it all to go to the charities,” Brown said.
Faithful Disaster Restoration also purchased the game jerseys for the firefighters and officers. They revealed the designs in a video posted to their Tik Tok account @faithfulrestoration.
Booths will be set up at the game to purchase merchandise. Anyone interested in making their purchase in advance can go to the Faithful Disaster Restoration office at 526 Moore Lane in Billings beginning Wednesday, June 29.
The final score of last year’s game was 6-4.
Stakes are high in this event dubbed the “Coaches Cup,” but Sgt. West encourages the community to come out and show their support, whether it be for the fun of the game, or to support a good cause.
“We have a great relationship with the fire department, come out and watch us face off. We have more planned between innings than we had last year, so there should be more entertainment, and some funny stuff,” Sgt. West said.
The Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools works to enhance opportunities for students in the district through philanthropy, connection, and education.
Kids N Cowboys provides support and assistance to families who have children with cancer.
A Mustangs game will follow the charity game and a ticket must be purchased to stay and watch the Billings Mustangs play the Boise Hawks.
