With badges on chests and bells in hand, local law enforcement stepped up to man Salvation Army Red Kettles Saturday morning for the annual Badges United Effort.
Members of the Emporia Police Department and Lyon County Sheriff’s Office were stationed at Wal-Mart ringing bells, handing out hand sanitizer and spreading some much-needed cheer this holiday season. Originally known as Battle of the Badges, the event’s name was changed many years ago and Emporia Interim Police Chief Ed Owens believes the new monicker is much more representative of the event and the relationship amongst local law enforcement and first responders.
Lyon County Sheriff Jeff Cope agreed with Owens’ feelings on the event and says their main focus is first and foremost the community. With that in mind, Cope says there is a little friendly rivalry amongst the members of law enforcement and Emporia Fire and they certainly enjoy having some fun with one another other each year.
Emporia Fire was stationed at Bluestem Farm and Ranch Supply throughout the morning.
Emporia Firefighter and Advanced EMT Joe Raygoza says community service is one of the core principles embraced by all the individuals who choose to wear a badge.
Representatives of the Emporia Fire Department were stationed at Bluestem Farm and Ranch Supply as well on Saturday.
Once the morning hours concluded, the Emporia Lions Club stepped up to man the kettles through the afternoon. On top of helping to bring in donations for the Salvation Army, the Lions Club also matched the first $500 raised through their efforts Saturday.
Lions Club President Cole Cassity says they always look forward to assisting the campaign. He says the club never has trouble finding willing volunteers to help man kettles during the holiday season.
Totals from Badges United and the Lions Club fundraising efforts are currently pending. At last word, $15,000 had been raised for the Red Kettle Campaign ahead of Saturday’s activities. This year’s goal is $50,000.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE News
{gallery}12-12-20 Badges United Lions Club Bell Ringing{/gallery}
