MOSES LAKE — The Battle of the Badge returned to Larson Playfield on Wednesday night, with the Moses Lake Police Department defeating the Grant County Sheriff's Office 21-19 in the community outreach softball game.

“It’s a good opportunity for the men and women in law enforcement to to get out and compete against each other, but, yeah, have some fun,” Grant County Sheriff Ryan Rectenwald said.

The game was brought together for officers and deputies to make an impact on the community outside the realm of law enforcement, allowing the community to connect with those who serve.

“It’s great to have it back, this is fantastic,” MLPD Chief Kevin Fuhr said. “We’ve got a whole bunch of community members here, they’ve been waiting for years for this to get back, and here we are.”

Money was raised through raffles with funds being put toward community outreach programs in Grant County.

“We do a lot in the community, just to support the community (and) help out where we can, help those in need,” Fuhr said. “Just bring awareness to what we do, and the partnership we have with our citizens.”

Both Rectenwald and Fuhr were grateful to those who came out to support both the police department and the sheriff’s office.

“First of all, it’s 100 degrees outside, so people could have decided to stay home,” Rectenwald said. “And it means a lot to us. People, community members coming out here to support law enforcement and what we do on a day-in-day-out basis, protecting and serving the communities. We love serving the public, and we appreciate them coming out here and supporting us.”

In addition to the matchup, entertainment was held between innings and throughout Larson Playfields. Relay races with police gear, a dizzy bat race and more were put on during the game. At the entrance were police cars, fire trucks and ambulances with an information tent for the Moses Lake Police Department. Spectators could enter raffles at the tent at $5 per entry, with the chance of winning a cooler or a mini-bike. The proceeds of the raffle were used for community outreach programs.

Fans were dotted along the first and third base lines, as well as in the bleachers.

“I love the fact that most of them are sitting on the Moses Lake Police side,” Fuhr said with a laugh. “It’s just great having everyone here cheering on, having the events between the innings.”

Scoring began with GCSO taking an early 5-3 lead, later extending their lead by nearly 10 runs. The MLPD went on a run to cut into the lead, later tying and taking the lead in the sixth inning.

“Just coming out here to be part of the community, helping the community out, interacting with the community – it’s a fun time,” Grant County Sheriff’s Deputy Korey Judkins said.

Despite a valiant effort by Grant County to tie the game, Moses Lake left victorious. The Battle of the Badge trophy was given to the MLPD after spending previous years at the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Ian Bivona may be reached at [email protected] and welcomes all tips related to sporting events in the Basin.