Pasadena police, firefighters to play football to benefit Christmas programs for kids

This Saturday, two groups that normally work together will instead be battling against each other. Members of the Pasadena Police Department will go up against members of the Pasadena Volunteer Fire Department in their annual Battle of the Heroes flag football game.

The game will be held on Saturday, Dec. 10 beginning at 2 p.m. at Auxiliary Stadium (2902 Dabney). It has been a tradition between the two groups of emergency responders since 2000, with the winner taking bragging rights and the trophy for the year. Currently, the police department’s team is the reigning champion.

The exhibition game is also an important fundraiser for both departments’ Christmas programs for kids in need. Admission to the game is the donation of a new, unwrapped, non-plush toy or the purchase of a game t-shirt. All proceeds and donated items are used for the Officer Santa program and the Project Santa program.

Battle of the Heroes t-shirts can be purchased at the game, or in advance from the Pasadena Police Academy. Each is $10-12, depending on size. The shirts feature this year’s game’s logo, which was designed by J. Frank Dobie High School senior Kendall Sifuentes. The tournament’s organizers held a contest for local high school students to create a new logo for this year’s game. Submissions were voted on, and Sifuentes’ design was chosen. It features the word “Battle” dressed in a police uniform, and the word “Heroes” is depicted as a firefighter.

The Battle of the Heroes game is open to everyone in the community. For more information about the event or to find out more about making a donation, please call (713) 475-7238 or email battleoftheheroes@rocketmail.com.