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Cops and firefighters compete in 25th Battle of the Badges softball game

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman William Johnson
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  It was 25 years ago when the cops and firefighters met on the softball field for the first Battle of the Badges softball game and 25 years later, they still take part in the tradition.

The 25th anniversary of the Battle of the Badges softball game pitted the 436th Security Forces Squadron against the 436th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighters Oct. 7, 2015, at the softball field on Dover AFB, Delaware.

The game was umpired by Chief Master Sgt. Jay Darcey (Ret.). Darcey was a former member of the 436th SFS before he retired in 1997 and started the Battle of the Badges game more than two decades ago.

"I got to Dover AFB in May of 1990 and one of the things I brought with me was the Battle of the Badges softball game," said Darcey. "We held the first game in October of 1990."

The first game was won by the cops 5-3, and they swept the firefighters in the 25th anniversary game 20-0. Darcey said the game is not about the score, but it is about getting the two agencies together and building a stronger relationship.

"I think it's great comradery and I think it's great for team work," said Darcey. "The cops and firefighters are on the same team when they respond to emergencies but today they are on opposite sides of the field.  It's a good thing though because the game is bringing them together to build friendship and team work."

The anniversary game also saw a special player on the 436th CES team. John Melvin, who played in the first Battle of the Badges game, made a return after missing the past five years due to an elbow injury. Melvin said it made him happy to be back on the field with what he described as his brothers and sisters.

"We do so much together," said Melvin. "It's nice to come together where we don't have any pressure on us and we can just have fun. It cements the brotherhood between the two agencies."

There were also new players to the Battle of the Badges game that were beginning their own legacy. Tech. Sgt. Brett Snyder, who plays on the 436th SFS intramural softball team, played in his first Battle of the Badges game and said he hopes to play in future games.

"This was a really fun game today and I'm glad we got to come out and play against each other," said Snyder. "We need to continue to build the rapport between the two agencies and make sure we can work together when things go down."

The teams also came together for another cause. To recognize Darcey's contribution to the game, he was presented with a plaque commemorating the 25th anniversary.

"These guys are really great and this plaque really touches my heart," said Darcey. "I love all the firefighters and cops and I hope they keep this game going."