By Tricia Pursell
SELINSGROVE — Some of them fight fires. The others fight crime.
And on Saturday, for the first time, Snyder County firefighters and local state troopers will battle each other in the Guns and Hoses Softball Tournament at the Penn Township baseball fields.
The event, beginning at 8 a.m. with the first game, will capitalize on Fire Prevention Week, which began Sunday and ends Saturday, while also helping to raise money for the Snyder County American Red Cross and bring awareness to the county fire companies and all they do.
“These are all volunteers,” said Brenda Hassinger, Port Trevorton Fire Company chairwoman. “And we’re there, no matter what, day or night. If you have a crisis, we’re there.”
“We’re inviting all communities to come and support their fire companies and have a good time,” she said.
Fire personnel pay $5 to play in the round-robin tournament. The winning fire company team will play the state trooper team in the championship game.
Trooper Brent Bobb, of the Selinsgrove barracks, said he was all for participating in the event when local fire companies brought the idea to his attention. His team will consist of 10 to 12 troopers.
The fire companies’ teams will have nine players each. So far, seven companies have signed up: Port Trevorton, Dauntless Hook & Ladder in Selinsgrove, Hummels Wharf, Kreamer, Middleburg, Beavertown and Beaver Springs.
Each company was asked to bring one piece of apparatus to show during the event. A state police helicopter also will be on hand.
The event will allow those in attendance to see fire trucks and public safety vehicles and watch a good ball game, said Jason Kaufman, DH&L; deputy chief. It also gives the firefighters a chance to get together and share some camaraderie, he added.
The baseball game will feature “celebrity” umpires, Hassinger said.
There will be plenty of games for kids, including a tug-of-war with a fire hose, bucket brigade, a candy scramble and a contest to see who can put on firefighter turnout gear the fastest.
Food will include hot dogs, french fries, potato chips, soda, bottled water and baked goods.
There is no cost to attend the event, but proceeds, including food sales from the concession stand, will go to the Red Cross.
“They are the first to help us with assistance,” Hassinger said. “They do so much for so many people.”
“The Red Cross is definitely always there for us,” echoed Doug Lauver, Port Trevorton Fire Company chief. At every single alarm, he said, they are there to provide the volunteers with food and drinks.
Snyder County Red Cross Executive Director Edna Reinard said the organization relies on donations through the Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way and the community. With winter on the way, the organization is in need of even greater support.
“We have a lot more fires over the winter months,” she said. “Whenever there is a disaster, we need to provide families with emergency food, clothing, shelter and medical needs within the first couple hours.”
