Lewisville Leader > News

LPD overtakes fire department in annual battle

By Heather M. Goodwin, hgoodwin@starlocalnews.com

Published: Friday, June 15, 2012 3:05 PM CDT
The 10th annual Battle of the Badge Softball Tournament broke records by raising more money than any other event in its history.

"The event went very, very well. We probably had more than 300 people there. It was a beautiful day. The wind was blowing, and it wasn't very hot," said Karen Sasso, president of the Lewisville Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association (LCPAAA). "We also had a really good silent auction. The proceeds exceeded what we've ever had before. We raised close to $10,000, which was our goal."

The tournament benefited the Children's Advocacy Center of Denton County (CACDC). It tournament began with the original Battle of the Badge between the Lewisville Police Department and the Lewisville Fire Department. The LPD defeated the LFD 13-3 for the second ever win for LPD over the fire department. The LPD game MVP was Officer David Nicaud, and the LFD game MVP was driver/paramedic Brandon Clark.

The tournament was held at the Lake Park Softball Complex located at the Lake Park Road and Mill Street intersection. Sasso said Mr. Store, based out of Flower Mound supplied most of the water and Gatorade for the teams, along with Nationwide Retirement Solutions.

This year's softball tournament featured the Lewisville police and fire departments, the Denton police and fire departments, the Flower Mound Fire Department, the Irving Fire Department, a combined Lake Cities/Little Elm Fire team and the Carrollton police and fire. The Carrollton Police Alumni are playing in the tournament for the first time.

Fore the second year in a row, the Irving Fire Department won the Battle of the Badge, defeating the Carrollton Police Department 10-5 in the championship game. Allen Herd of IFD was named tournament MVP. Denton Fire Department finished third.

In addition to the tournament, there was also an array of family activities including clowns, crafts, face painting and a game truck.

"We brought in game truck run by Bill Flattery. That was a big hit with all the children. It has an air conditioned trailer with video games," Sasso said. "We're hoping to bring it back next year."

Sasso said the event was well attended because it was the tenth year and because of "really good word of mouth advertising and big hearts from the players."

"We're ready for 2013. We weren't going to do it, but we changed our minds because of this year's event and the players who expressed a deep interest in playing another tournament. We'll begin planning in the next few months, and we're hoping to move to Railroad Park next year," Sasso said. "We're very happy with the volunteers and everything with the event this year. Next year, we'll try for 12 to 14 teams."





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