Guns Versus Hoses

LIBERTY — As long as they’ve been around, police and fire departments have been pitted against each other, and this weekend will be the local departments’ chance to hash it out in a light-hearted game of softball.

The Liberty Police Department, with a few teammates from the Liberty County Sheriff ’s Office, and Liberty Fire Department are playing in the first-ever Guns and Hoses softball tournament on Saturday, May 17 with food and fun for all.

“We can’t wait to beat the police,” LFD Chief Brian Hurst said. “We will have some ambulances standing by for them because I think some of them are gonna probably need some supplemental oxygen.”

While Hurst and LPD Chief Rick Ashe may not agree on who will win, they agree that it’s all in good fun to connect with the community.

“We have a playful rivalry between the two of us,” Ashe said. “It’s just a good way for us to get out and be in the community and raise some money.”

While it is a free event, donations will be accepted to help the LPD in Silver Santa, Blue Santa, Shop with a Cop and more. Donations will also go towards the LFD’s Angel Tree and more.

Hurst explained that the departments will be able to connect without the concern of working, building a better relationship between the two, which will, in turn, help with communications during calls.

The departments will play with regular softball rules with the best of three taking home the win. Aside from the entertaining games, bounce houses were donated by Bouncin Lil’ Rascals and a hydration station will be provided by Devoted Health.

There will also be food trucks, snow cones and more.

“We are over elated. We are ready to kick some butt,” said LPD Detective Johnathan Williams, organizer of the event.

Ashe said it was a state secret when asked if they’ve been practicing, so you’ll have to be there to see how it goes.

The first pitch will be at 5 p.m. at the softball field at Liberty Municipal Park, 501 R.E. Vinson Dr., Liberty.