The Brownwood Fire Department and area peace officers slugged it out in a benefit softball game Saturday night at the Bert V. Massey II Sports Complex to benefit firefighter Jake Landess who was recently diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Heart of Texas EMS helped with organizing the event and stood by to help with any injuries.
Brownwood Police, Early Police, Brown County Sheriff’s Office and Lake Patrol officers were represented on the peace officers’ team. The game was tied up in the 4th inning, and then the peace officers took the lead until the 8th when the firefighters tied up the game again. Then the Brownwood Fire Department pulled out a 9th inning 18-16 win over the peace officers in the end. Although both teams wanted the win for bragging rights, they kept perspective of the cause.
“We enjoyed supporting the cause for Jake,” said Chandra Means of the Brownwood Police Department. “Although we wanted to win, we’re glad that they could win because it’s for one of their own.”
As Jennifer Trowbridge of Heart of Texas EMS helped ice down the injured knee of Lake Patrol Officer Scotty Burke, she stated “We’re all just fighting for Jake. We joked that we were going to fight for blood, which I guess we did since there were a couple of injuries.”
Firefighter and Brownwood Professional Firefighter’s Association president Brent Bruton stated that he was pleased of the turnout and how the crowd was made up of many family and friends of the agencies but also a good number of people from the general public.
Brownwood Municipal Police Association president Ray Slayton stated that he was also pleased with the game’s success.
“It was definitely a good time for everyone involved,” said Slayton who was surprised at how close the game was. “We plan to make it an annual tradition.”
The game may be a revival of an old tradition.
“We used to play fire department against police in an annual city game up until B.J. Carnes passed away,” said Brownwood firefighter Chad Hill. “We haven’t played in several years.” Carnes was a Brownwood Fire Fighter four years before his death in a plane crash in 2008.
Two jerseys were hung on the Brownwood Firefighters’ dugout in honor of Jake Landess and in memory of Shannon Stone. Stone passed away in a tragic accident in July 2011.
The benefit also featured home run derbies for youth and adults, the softball game and additional fundraisers with a concession stand and silent auctions. Hamburgers and hot dogs were available for donations and many silent auction items were up for grabs. Youth home run derby winners were Sergio Gutierrez, 1st place, and Mason Prosise, 2nd place. Winner of the adult home run derby was Bryn Allgood.
For those unable to attend, monetary donations are still being accepted. A benefit account has also been set up for Landess at TexasBank. Donations can be made at TexasBank in Brownwood or dropped off at Brownwood Fire Stations at the following locations:
Station 1: 809 Main Street, 325-646-6743
Station 2: 1511 Indian Creek Road, 325-646-5012
Members of BPFFA stated that those wishing to donate may also give either station a phone call and they will be happy to pick up donations.
Pictured at top are firefighters and peace officers congratulating each other after the softball game.
Click the photo gallery below for over 100 pictures from the youth home run derby and softball game. Photos by Ray Tipton.
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