Buckets and Badges: Law Enforcement and Firefighters Unite for Charity

HINTON W.Va. (Hinton News) – On a chilly November night, some of Summers County’s finest emergency responders met on the basketball court for a battle of the badges. Deemed Hose Draggers (firefighters) versus Donut Eaters (police), participants from area volunteer fire departments and local branches of law enforcement battled it out to raise money for the Shop with a Cop program. This program gives Christmas gifts to kids who might not otherwise have any.  

Entry was free but donations were accepted with Hinton Hope Foundation matching donations dollar for dollar up to $750. Additionally, Safe and Sound Security donated $1000. In all, over $3000 was raised for this amazing program.  

Many laughs were shared during the night including when, at halftime, the police brought out DUI simulation goggles and let both sides try to make a shot while wearing them. While nobody succeeded, it was a crowd favorite watching the attempts.

The kids in the audience wanted in on the action so Sheriff Faris offered a cash reward to the first youth able to make a shot. Young Mr.  Hartwell was the first to take the prize by sinking a basket. To keep up the spirit of the night, the Sheriff offered another cash prize to the next kid to sink a basket. A young girl, whose name we have not been able to confirm at the time of publishing, took that prize and a happier victor has never been seen. 

The game itself started out strong for the Hose Draggers with the first score of the night, but victory wasn’t to be theirs. The Donut Eaters kept a strong lead all evening that brought them to a sound victory. However, in this game, the kids in the Shop with a Cop program were the real winners. 

Also on hand during the night was Summers County EMS. Playing along with the theme of the night, they provided law enforcement rehab, which consisted of donuts and the ambulance stretcher was marked especially for Sheriff Faris. As always, Summers County EMS showed how valuable they are when one of the Hose Draggers got hurt and had to be taken to the hospital for a leg injury.  

Despite the injury, it appeared everyone enjoyed the night and the best part was the amount raised for the Shop with a Cop program. There’s been talk this will be a yearly event, which would be wonderful. Here’s to a successful first year of a great event.