SURPRISE, AZ - The City of Surprise Police and Fire Departments faced off against each other on Sunday March 20th at Surprise Stadium, Spring Training home of the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers. The softball teams took the field for their third-annual public-safety game after the end of a Cactus League game between the Kansas City Royals and Colorado Rockies.

Firefighters’ pitcher (and coach) Rick Valdez got roughed up in the second inning with the Police scoring 11 runs, but the Firemen hung in to keep the Police scoreless for the rest of the game. In the seventh, Firefighter Mike Morris’ homer drove in three runs to get the win 12-11.

The first two annual games were also close, but were won by the Police. As Firefighters’ coach Rick Valdez said, "Fire won the last one!" The rivalry is friendly and both departments are raising funds for a joint public-safety memorial. Police coach and leftfielder Jason Kulfan said, "It was a great effort by both teams. I had a lot of fun and it was for a good cause, so I’m real happy to be a part of it." Valdez also said, "I’d like to thank the chief and everybody else for making this happen. Also the umpire, and the community for supporting us." Kulfan added, "I appreciate the support from Softball West Magazine."

The players enjoyed a break from their regular jobs and at the same time contributed to the community. Proceeds from the game go for construction at the stadium complex of DreamCatcher Park, a facility for physically and mentally challenged people. Anyone wanting to donate to that cause can go to the city’s website www.surpriseaz.com for more information about DreamCatcher Park.

The game was the idea of Surprise mayor, Joan Schafer, to have the police and the fire departments play in an annual softball game, a fun family day for the law enforcement and firefighter family. At first it was held at Sun City Grand (in the city of Surprise) at their field, then moved to the new Surprise Stadium after it was built.

Next year’s game will probably benefit the planned joint public-safety memorial park. Some land has been donated to the city in the area of Litchfield Road and Peoria Avenue. The memorial park would commemorate law enforcement and fire personnel, all public-safety; to all fallen law enforcement and fire personnel, anybody who had to medically retire, as well as active-duty. There would be a statue representing law enforcement and some type of symbol, such as a bell, which is synonymous with the fire department.