Officers stake out victory in Battle of the Badges

No police-versus-fire charity event would be complete without a few donut jokes, which Sultan Fire District 5 firefighter Steve Tonkin was happy to provide during this year's Battle of the Badges softball game benefitting the Sultan Education Foundation (SEF).

Coordinated by local volunteers Elizabeth Emmons, Tonkin and Snohomish County Sheriff's Deputy Jason Toner, the second annual Battle of the Badges took place Sunday, May 22, at Sultan High School.

The nine-inning game was played by firefighters from District 5 in Sultan, District 26 in Gold Bar and District 28 in Index, who battled it out on the field against law enforcement officers from the King County Sheriff's Office, the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office and the military police.

The officers won the game handily, coming back strong after last year's defeat by the firefighters. Descriptions of the game varied, with some saying it was close and others referring to it as a thorough trouncing by law enforcement officers.-á

Tonkin said the loss was part of a complex strategy to ensure a rematch next year.

With one win each, the two teams will face off in a tiebreaker challenge next spring. The event raised $2,300 that will fund scholarships for Sultan High School graduates interested in pursuing a first responder career.

"We are so blessed in the Sky Valley to have such amazing first responders who are willing to give up their day off to help raise money for Sultan students,GÇ¥ Emmons said. "Thanks to their commitment to giving back and the support of our incredible sponsors, this year's Battle of the Badges raised even more money than last year. We are already looking forward to next year's tie-breaker!GÇ¥

The game had numerous noteworthy moments, including a grand slam double by District 26 firefighter Garrett Stich; he hit the ball so far across the field, he had time to circle the bases twice, scoring two points. Even with the bonus run, however, firefighters still lagged behind.

Snohomish County Undersheriff Rob Beidler showed skill on the field, earning hits and getting on base each time at bat. Beidler served as the police chief in Sultan for about six months before leaving to join Sheriff Ty Trenary's command staff, later being promoted to undersheriff.

Toner pitched for Team Law, while firefighter Chris Shroy pitched for Team Fire. Sultan resident Finch Arakawa volunteered as umpire, Sultan School District tech guru Dave Moon broadcasted the game live on TurkPride.TV and concessions were sold by SEF board members John Seehuus and Laura and Darnell Koenig, who received a little help from Sultan City Administrator Ken Walker. -á -á

The SEF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities for Sultan School District students. It has awarded nearly $300,000 since it was founded in 1993, having steadily increased its capacity over the years. The money is raised through direct donations, fundraisers, memorial trusts and reward programs like AmazonSmile.

The volunteer group initially awarded one $300 scholarship per year, growing that support to $28,250 in scholarships awarded in 2015. Thirty-three students received scholarships ranging from $250 to $1,000. Students are chosen for the scholarships through a vetting process that includes an interview with SEF board members.

The 2016 interview process to decide awards is currently underway.-á -á

In addition to scholarships, the SEF provides classroom grants that help fund new programs and updated equipment. Recent classroom grant funding has been used to help reconstruct parts of Sultan High School's on-site salmon hatchery, support a new program at Gold Bar Elementary School called First Grade Forest Days and purchase new desks for a technology project at Sultan Middle School.

Many local businesses stepped forward to sponsor the game, including Sultan Chiropractic, Sultan Ixtapa, Scottish Thistle Farm, Safe2Go Driving School, the Sultan Volunteer Firefighters Association, Wagley Creek Automotive, Cascade Custom Coach, Sultan Dental Center, Dynomite Diesel, Sky Valley Ink, Avery Automotive, the Hallert Group, Team Naslund, NAPA Monroe Parts House, Coastal Community Bank and Sky Valley Automotive, as well as numerous members of the community.

The game's top sponsor was NW Sport Taekwondo, owned by Shianne and Michael Colver and located on Main Street in Monroe. Shianne said when Emmons approached them about an opportunity to help sponsor the game, they jumped at the chance.

Helping a student become a first responder is a gift that keeps on giving, Colver said.-á

"That scholarship will go to a graduating student that wants to become a future fireman or policeman. They will then be giving back to the community; it's a total win-win situation,GÇ¥ Colver said. "We offered to donate above the requested amount, because it is a truly wonderful cause. We love our community, and want to do our part to help out any way that we can.GÇ¥

Sky Valley Ink created commemorative Battle of the Badges T-shirts.

The SEF is governed by a five-member volunteer board of directors, including Koenig, Seehuus, Debbie and Brian Copple and Charles "OleGÇ¥ Carlson. For more information about the Sultan Education Foundation or to make a donation, visit sultaneducationfoundation.com.

To watch the game in its entirety, visit www.turkpride.tv.