The battle is on!

By Lethbridge Herald on June 18, 2025.

Firefighter and paramedic David Skilling and Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) Sgt. Jay McMillan hold the Battle of the Badges Trophy, which the LPS team has won four consecutive years since the first game in 2016. The Lethbridge Fire and Fire Services (LEFS) team finally won in 2024 and hope to repeat this year on June 27.

Joe Manio
Lethbridge Herald
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Lethbridge’s annual Battle of the Badges charity softball game returns to Spitz Stadium on Friday, June 27. An annual friendly showdown between firefighters and police officers to raise funds for local causes, it was officially announced by Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services (LFES) and Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) during a media event at Spitz Stadium Tuesday.

“It just really brings us together on the field and recognizes that community service,” says David Skilling, a firefighter/paramedic with LFES and president of the Lethbridge Firefighters Charities Association. 

The association is a group of firefighters who participate in events that raise funds for different charities that support the wellness of first responders and their families. Skilling says the softball game provides an opportunity to recognize the work of first responders in a positive setting.

“Battle of the Badges is more than a game, it’s a celebration of service, community and the power of teamwork. There’s nothing like friendly competition to bring our first responders together.”

Team Red (LFES) will take on Team Blue (LPS) in a spirited competition that supports community programs and strengthens public safety partnerships. Proceeds from the event will support Lethbridge Firefighters Charities and Lethbridge Police Service charitable initiatives. Past donations have contributed to local health care, youth mentorship programs and emergency relief efforts.

Sergeant Jay McMillan with the LPS says his team will be supporting the advancement and improvement of cardiac care through the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation and the ‘Bringing Hearts Home’ campaign. 

“I hope it has an enormous impact on the charities,” he says, adding he is really focused on what they can do for the community. 

McMillan says the reality is that police officers sometimes have negative interactions with the public, but there are plenty of positive ones on a day-to-day basis. An event like ‘Battle of the Badges’ can help create even more positive interactions moving forward. 

“To be able to come here and be part of this event and play with our brothers and sisters from another first responders’ agency at the Lethbridge Fire Department, it’s a pleasure. It’s fun and I think it’s productive and I think it’s helpful for our community.”

This year’s event promises to be another evening of family fun, with emergency vehicles on display, concession specials, kids’ activities and a full stadium experience. Spectators are encouraged to show their support by wearing red or blue. The first 250 fans through the gates will receive a voucher for a free medium sandwich from Firehouse Subs.

“We are proud to host a charity ball game in support of Lethbridge’s first responders,” says Kevin Kvame, with Under the Lights Sports & Entertainment. “This is a great opportunity to give back to those who work every day to keep our community safe.”

The first Battle of the Badges was held in 2016, with games happening every year until 2019. The pandemic caused a pause until the event returned last year. The LPS team won every year from 2016 and 2019, but the LFES squad earned the victory in 2024, and hopes to repeat this year.

The Battle of the Badges tailgate party starts at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 27 with the first pitch at 7 p.m. 

Tickets for the game are available at the Lethbridge Bulls website.