The Chatham-Kent Police Service (CKPS) team was the winner of CK's first ever Battle of the Badges fundraiser.
"We may have bragging rights for the next year, but the bigger picture is that the funds we raised through this event will make a difference in our community," the team said.
The inaugural event raised over $14,000 for Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers.
Frontline teams from CKPS, Ontario Provincial Police, Chatham-Kent Fire and Rescue, Chatham-Kent EMS, the Moravian Police Service, the Walpole Island Police Service, and a civilian team met on May 24 at the Rondeau Rod and Gun Club for a day-long shooting and marksmanship competition. Organizers believe it's the first event of its kind in the province and according to Crime Stoppers, it's attracted attention from other groups across Ontario.
"For a first-time event, the response from our partner agencies and sponsors was beyond anything we could have hoped for," said Erica McIntosh, of Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers. "This is exactly the kind of collaboration that makes Chatham-Kent such an amazing community."
Funds raised through Battle of the Badges will go toward community safety programs throughout the Chatham-Kent region, including gun safety education, firearm awareness programs, and crime prevention initiatives.
"Safe firearm handling isn't optional, it's a responsibility that every gun owner carries," stated Jon Seton, past President of the Rondeau Rod and Gun Club. "We were honoured that Crime Stoppers asked us to be the host of an event that puts that message front and centre to more people across Chatham-Kent. Even though the current political atmosphere seems to pit the two sides against each other, from time to time, this event showcased the true comradery between legal gun owners and the law enforcement community."
Organizers are looking ahead to the next Battle of the Badges event. Discussions are underway about expanding the competition and including possible new teams from across Ontario.
