Not long after the last Independence Day fireworks display is shot off there could be some softball rockets launched at Maple City Park.
The third annual "Battle of the Badges" charity softball game pitting Hornell Police Department personnel against the Hornell Fire Department will take place at 7 p.m., July 12 at Maple City Park.
The first two games of the annual matchup saw balls flying all over the park. Hornell Police took last year's game 12-8 after the Boys in Blue handed the Fire Department a 15-4 drubbing in the first "Battle of the Badges" in 2022.
Can the firefighters break through this year and get their first win in the series?
"Absolutely. You have to have belief," said firefighter Chad Hancock.
Hornell police officer Trevor Stiles said the cops will be ready.
"Oh, we're confident," he said.
How to get tickets for the July 12 'Battle of the Badges'
Pre-sale tickets are $5 and can be purchased by contacting any Hornell firefighter or police officer.
Spectators are highly encouraged to pick up tickets in advance. Admission at the gate on July 12 is $8.
All proceeds go to charity and community causes.
Softball game will support 'little buddy,' Cam Snyder
The child sponsored by the 2024 Battle of the Badges through a 50/50 raffle and donations by police and firefighters is 6-year-old Cam Snyder of Hornell.
Cam has CCHS (congenital central hypo-ventilation syndrome) which requires him to be on a vent 24/7. Cam also suffers from epilepsy requiring several medications be taken multiple times each day.
According to Hancock, police and fire are on the same team when it comes to Chad, who they call their "little buddy." Organizers said they would love to have Cam there July 12, but noted he is currently battling an infection in what has been a challenging year.
Both the police and firefighters said they are hoping to help Cam and his family as much as possible.
'Battle of the Badges' game notes
The firefighters are the home team this year and will bat last.
EJ Oyer is the designated pitcher for both squads in the nine-inning game. The umpire is Tony Hooker.
Both Oyer and Hooker are volunteering their time and additional volunteers are still needed. Go to the game's Facebook page for the number to call to volunteer.
Concessions, run by the Hornell Steamers, will be open for the softball game.
Children between 5-12 are encouraged to show up at the park early so their names can be put in the drawing for kids games.
A full list of game sponsors is available on the "Battle of the Badges" Facebook page.
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