A unique fundraiser is helping fight crime in Chatham-Kent.
The inaugural Battle of the Badges was held on Sunday, May 24th at the Rondeau Rod and Gun Club. The event brought together frontline teams from the Chatham-Kent Police Service, Elgin OPP, Chatham-Kent Fire and Emergency Services, Chatham-Kent EMS, Moravian Police Service, Walpole Island Police Service, and a civilian team, competing in various target practice exercises.
More than $14,000 was raised to support Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers and its community initiatives including gun safety education, firearm awareness programs, and crime prevention initiatives.
“Battle of the Badges is a powerful reminder that the agencies who serve this community are stronger together,” said Chief of Police, Kirk Earley, of Chatham-Kent Police Service in a news release. “Our officers were proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with colleagues from across the area in support of Crime Stoppers various programs that keep our community informed and safe.”
“Safe firearm handling isn’t optional, it’s a responsibility that every gun owner carries.” added 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.”
Organizers believe this was the first event of its kind in Ontario, and showed Chatham-Kent’s spirit of community and inter-agency collaboration.