More than $14,000 was raised for Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers during the inaugural Battle of the Badges, a first-of-its-kind event that brought together frontline first responders from across Chatham-Kent for a day of friendly competition and community fundraising.
Held May 24 at the Rondeau Rod and Gun Club, the event featured teams from the Chatham-Kent Police Service, Chatham-Kent OPP, Chatham-Kent Fire and Emergency Services, Chatham-Kent EMS, Moravian Police Service, Walpole Island Police Service and a civilian team. Participants competed in a variety of shooting sports and skill-based events, including rifle, archery, trap, skeet and action handgun competitions.
Organizers say the event has attracted attention from across Ontario and highlighted Chatham-Kent as an example of collaboration among emergency services and community partners.
“For a first-time event, the response from our partner agencies and sponsors was beyond anything we could have hoped for. This is exactly the kind of collaboration that makes Chatham-Kent such an amazing community,” said Erica McIntosh of Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers.
Funds raised through the event will support Crime Stoppers initiatives, including gun safety education, firearm awareness programs, anonymous reporting efforts and crime prevention projects throughout the municipality.
“Battle of the Badges is a powerful reminder that the agencies who serve this community are stronger together. 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,” said Chatham-Kent Police Chief Kirk Earley.
Earley also praised the broad community support behind the event.
“Battle of the Badges was an outstanding success and a proud moment for all emergency services in Chatham-Kent. This was the first event of its kind in our community, and the energy, teamwork, and good-natured competition made it a day to remember. Together, we raised more than $14,000, which will be invested directly into community safety initiatives that benefit every service and every resident we serve.
“We are grateful for the tremendous sponsorship and community support that made this event possible. I want to extend special thanks to MP Dave Epp and Mayor Darrin Canniff for joining us and supporting this important cause. Their participation reflects the strong partnerships that make Chatham-Kent such a remarkable community.
“Of course, Chatham-Kent Police Service won and will be proudly reminding our emergency services partners of that for quite some time! My appreciation goes out to all participating agencies, volunteers, organizers, and the Rondeau Rod and Gun Club for hosting us. We look forward to building on this success and making Battle of the Badges a signature annual event.”
The Chatham-Kent Police Service team claimed top honours in the inaugural competition.
“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.
Jon Seton, past president of the Rondeau Rod and Gun Club, said the event helped promote responsible firearm ownership while strengthening relationships between firearm owners and law enforcement.
“Safe firearm handling isn’t optional, it’s a responsibility that every gun owner carries,” said Seton. “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 say plans are already underway to expand the event, with interest from additional teams across Ontario for future editions.
