The historic rivalry between fire and police departments came to a crescendo Friday evening in a battle of the badges on Fort Vancouver High School’s basketball court.
“Cops!” Vancouver police cried after their huddles.
Vancouver firefighters likewise cried “Fire!”
Both sides insist it’s a friendly rivalry, with plenty of trash-talking leading up to Friday’s game.
Neither team gained a significant lead, suggesting the teams were fairly matched. By the end, the teams tied, sending the game into a 2-minute overtime that ended with the Vancouver Fire Department winning, 61-54.
Each team took multiple timeouts in the last few minutes of the game, and the tie was broken exclusively by free throw shots, as both teams fouled as overtime wrapped up.
The inaugural charity basketball game benefiting Open House Ministries was organized to build awareness for the Vancouver Police Activities League and forge community partnerships, said executive director John Andersen. Students with Fort Vancouver High School helped put on the event and collected canned goods, admission to the game.
Firefighter Brandon Walsh, who’s been with the fire department for about four years, said he had heard about similar sporting events taking place among departments in New York. He thought, why couldn’t Vancouver do the same thing? Community events like these, he said, are one of his favorite parts of his job.
“People see us outside of our element,” he said. “Usually when we show up, people aren’t having a good day.”
He’s thought about forming a city league with Vancouver firefighters, and says the “Hoopin’ with Heroes” game proves that there’s interest. Firefighting, he explained, is team-oriented, making team sports a natural fit.
Officer Julie Gabriel, who’s been with the Vancouver Police Activities League for almost five years, said she has enjoyed watching the program grow. Her dad, a Portland high school basketball coach, offered the team a gym where they practiced once or twice a week in the two months leading up to the game.
“It’s been a great bonding experience,” she said.
Although Gabriel is known for being a coach with PAL’s boxing program, she said she played high school basketball and has that competitive spirit.
The game, she said, helped show that police officers are approachable and just like everyone else. They like to goof off and play sports.
“A uniform can be pretty intimidating,” she said.
The Vancouver Police Department team also included officers from the Washougal Police Department and the Department of Corrections, Andersen said.
