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Battle of the Badges

Police, firefighters a big hit for Special Olympics
Greg Maxey gets ready to clobber the ball for the firefighters while Robert Mestas catches for the police Saturday afternoon at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. In back is volunteer Tim Standifer.

The Battle of the Badges annual softball game between Durango firefighters and local law enforcement hit it out of the park Saturday, raising money for Special Olympics.

Durango’s own Special Olympics team – some of the city’s most spirited players – took the field beforehand.

Last year, the event raised more than $5,000 for the cause, Special Olympics advocate Cathy Simbeck said.

The Durango team won its division last year in Grand Junction’s Special Olympics softball game.

Money raised at the event goes for travel expenses and other opportunities.

Early in the game, team member Robert Mestas pointed his bat to the horizon, where he planned to hit a home run.

“They’re getting the chance to show some skills that they’ve learned,” Simbeck said. “They’re having a lot of fun. They’re excited and are playing a good game.”



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