First responder units show unity through softball

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The Bowling Green Fire Department, Bowling Green Police Department, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, and Western Kentucky Police Department played softball games Tuesday night at WKU’s Nick Denes Field. 

Usually, the departments play one versus another, but in the true spirit of comradery, the heroes meshed together for the first time, teams equally represented with each group of responders.

Firefighters and police officers alike said they’re happy to put on a united front for the community, including their families watching in the stands.

BGFD’s Dylan Hawkins said, “We don’t ever want there to be division between our fire department and our police department. We’re pretty good about that. We’re all in this together.” 

BGPD’s Zack McMillen said, “It’s awesome to see the families out here and all the kids. It’s good to get everybody together, all the families, because we don’t get to get together much, just because of our crazy schedules.”

Thought there was healthy tension on the softball diamond, at the end of the day, the first responders bonded over the game. Even their own children agree.

Officer Melissa Bailey, is WKU’s first female public information officer. Her daughter, Charlee couldn’t be any prouder of her mom’s job, or her softball skills. 

“I think it’s really cool, because they all get to meet new people,” said Charlee Bailey. “I think it’s also really awesome that everybody gets to come out here and have some fun,” 

Tuesday night, the stadium lights shined brightly over a united group of first responders, all team Warren County.