Elk Grove police, firefighters to face off on the court. Here’s who benefits and how to attend
Bragging rights are on the line for the first responders of Elk Grove.
One of the oldest — and friendliest — rivalries in Elk Grove makes its return to the hardwood as the city’s police officers go head-to-head with firefighters.
The Elk Grove Police Department will take on the Cosumnes Fire Department in a charity basketball game at Elk Grove High School’s Bill Cartwright Gymnasium, 9800 Elk Grove-Florin Road, at 6 p.m. on Oct. 14.
Cosumnes Fire Battalion Chief Chris Schamber won’t be playing, but he’s looking forward to supporting fellow firefighters who are representing the department in the “Badges and Axes Showdown.”
“We have a team from the fire department with a large amount of support from all of our CSD employees,” Schamber said. “We definitely look forward to maintaining the tradition of, you know, showing the local police department that we’re definitely strong competitors.”
Sgt. Jason Jimenez, a spokesman for the department, hopes that this event can become an annual charity event, similar to Sacramento’s Pig Bowl, a 50-year-old exhibition football game played between Sacramento-area law enforcement and fire personnel, also known as “Guns and Hoses.”
“We have officers that play in that, as well. ... (But) that’s kind of a regional thing,” Jimenez said. “We would love to make this something that is a traditional thing, that continues year after year. And in the end, hopefully raising money for a good cause in terms of Special Olympics, bringing the community together and just putting a smile on a bunch of people’s faces.”
Jimenez believes the goal is to have fun and raise money for a good cause, but also for the local community to see their first responders in a different setting.
They get to see their local public safety officers on a good day, he said.
“Particularly with us in law enforcement, people see us a lot of times on their worst days,” Jimenez said. “They’re calling us, not when they’re having good days, but they’re calling us when they need help, for a lot of folks on their worst days.”
Tickets are $10; youths 5 through 12 can get in for $5.
Proceeds will go toward Special Olympics Northern California, aiding the different programs offered to children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Special Olympics Northern California provides education, leadership, and health and wellness activities.
According to its website, the organization’s mission is to offer training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with disabilities, giving them opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with family, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
There will be a special appearance by Sacramento Kings’ mascot Slamson, which will include a free giveaway of Kings merch and swag. Onsite will be a food truck provided by Gameday Grill, while the Cosumnes Oaks’ dance team, Hype Dance Company, will offer more entertainment.
Two people will have a chance to win a Nintendo Switch game console.
Families and friends are invited to enjoy an evening with the Elk Grove community and its first responders while supporting the Special Olympics.
Tickets can be purchased online at p2p.onecause.com/badgesaxes.
