For the second year, police officers from eight local jurisdictions competed in a single elimination softball tournament to support Children's Hospital Foundation (CHF). Held Oct. 21 at The Diamond, the Battle of the Badges raised $4,200 for CHF and saw the team from the Hopewell Police take top honors. Funds were raised through team entry fees, donations, t-shirt sales and a fundraiser at Texas Roadhouse on Oct. 6 where police officers shared tips and accepted donations during their four-hour shifts as hosts and wait staff. Nearly $2,600 was raised from the Texas Roadhouse event.

“Everyone involved with the tournament had such a good time working with the children and families of Children's Hospital last year that we knew there was no way we would not plan another Battle of the Badges event,” said Officer Joey Kierson with the Chesterfield Police Department, which won last year's tournament.”

With planning assistance from Sergeant Carol Adams with the City of Richmond Police Department, Megan Angstadt with the Richmond Flying Squirrels and representatives from the participating police departments, this year's event included children's activities like rock painting and a donut eating contest in addition to the highly-competitive softball games.

Fifteen-person teams from Chesterfield County Police, Colonial Heights Police, Hanover County Sheriffs Department, Henrico County Police, Hopewell Police, Richmond Police, Virginia Commonwealth University Police and Virginia State Police began practicing during the summer with some teams holding tryouts for the coveted spots. To “add another element of competitiveness,” Joey said one of the first four teams that lost in this year's tournament will randomly lose its spot to a new team that has expressed interest in playing in 2018.

“It was great seeing the stadium filled with families enjoying some friendly competitive games,” said Joey. “And we raised a sizeable donation to support Children's Hospital Foundation that ultimately helps kids in our area.”