16th Annual “Battle of the Badges” Takes Over Wade Stadium

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northern Lights Foundation held its 16th annual charity softball event at Wade Stadium this evening.

Duluth police and firefighters are competing in a friendly Battle of the Badges softball game to raise funds for the Northern Lights Foundation, which helps financially support Local families with children facing life-threatening illnesses. The event will also feature an auction, food trucks, K-9 demos, and a lot of bubbles.

“It’s a point where we’re not on call, we can, you know, enjoy just a beautiful night at Wade Stadium, have a little fun, have a little rivalry, and raise some money for the Northern Lights foundation,” said Lt. Matt McShane. Duluth Police Department.

The event is more than just a friendly game of ball for locals; it hits home for firefighter Joseph Saur, 148th Fighter Wing.

“Instantly, families are able to get grants when they need them the most, when they’re slammed with terrible news about their children,” said Firefighter Saur. “I know this from firsthand experience, because about eight years ago, my daughter was going through battling cancer, and yeah, in the middle of it, you know, work stops, the world stops, but bills don’t stop. And the Northern Lights foundation comes in.”

The game closed with a final score of five to three, with the firefighters snatching back bragging rights from the police officers after defeats in the past few editions of the game