FRANKFORD — Trooper up!
State police from New Jersey and Pennsylvania will meet on the diamond once again this week for Battle of the Badges. The charity softball game will benefit a Sussex County student and a Garden State trooper each facing serious medical challenges.
The second annual match for cross-Delaware River bragging rights will be held on Friday, July 19, at Skylands Stadium, home of the Sussex County Miners baseball team.
Tickets are $5, with proceeds going to the two beneficiaries as well as Gunnar J. Bigley Foundation, a nonprofit group that supports aspiring state police. The game will begin at 4 p.m. − after the ceremonial "first pitch" is dropped from a New Jersey State Police helicopter.
Last year's inaugural Battle of The Badges raised more than $14,000. Proceeds helped purchase a motorized wheelchair for Sussex County 11-year-old Cash Klem and to support two Pennsylvania troopers who were wounded during a shootout.
Battle of the Badges beneficiaries
This year, the beneficiaries include Jack Insinga, an 18-year-old senior at Sussex Technical High School, as well as a fellow "brother in blue" of the players: New Jersey State Police Sergeant First Class Sean Acker, who is recovering from a pulmonary embolism.
Insinga is a frequent visitor to Miners games along with his family and "has a deep love for the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and his dogs, according to a statement on the team website.
But in early June, the 18-year-old was involved in a serious car accident and lost his left foot. He sustained burns to both legs and significant injuries to his right leg and foot. He is recovering at the St. Barnabas Burn Center and faces a "long and challenging recovery," the team said.
In addition to the immediate hospital stay, the Insinga family faces expenses for multiple surgeries, rehabilitation, a prosthetic and physical therapy, which insurance won't fully cover, according to the Miners.
The family also has a GoFundMe page to support "Jack's Journey to Recovery."
Sgt. Acker, meanwhile, suffered the embolism after routine surgery and was in critical care for more than three weeks from the extended period with loss of oxygen.
"Sean spent a little over three weeks in the critical care unit fighting for his life after an extended period with loss of oxygen," the Miners said. "The medical expenses related to his condition are significant, and donations from the event will help support him and his family."
Just like last year, New Jersey State Police Det. Miguel Hidalgo has also signed a one-day contract to play with the Miners − with his salary going to the evening's causes. Hidalgo, who was formerly stationed in Sussex County, was an organizer of the charity game and played baseball in high school and at Rutgers. He signed a one-game contract for last year's game and went 0-2 at the plate.
Get tickets through Sussex Miners
In addition to $5 from admission contributions, there will also be a 50/50 raffle to support the Bigley Foundation, a nonprofit that supports young men and women aspiring to become state police officers. Additionally, there will be silent auctions with sports memorabilia and other valuable items to help raise funds.
Battle for the Badges tickets are on sale and can be purchased online at vivenu.com/event/game-31-vs-ottawa-kutmp2.
In addition to the softball game, the second half of the "double-header" will feature the baseball game between the Miners and the Ottawa Titans.
There'll also be a performance by the New Jersey State Police pipe band and a parade of mounted horse units.
Email: bscruton@njherald.com Twitter/X: @brucescrutonNJH
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