Smyrna firefighters claim victory in Battle of the Badges

The Smyrna Fire Department answered the call, claiming victory over the Smyrna Police Department in the Battle of the Badges softball game.

The win marked the second straight year firefighters claimed a victory in the Battle of the Badges.

The Smyrna Public Safety Foundation-sponsored friendly competition coincided with the Hotrods & Heroes Car Show at Smyrna First Baptist Church. The family-friendly event also raised roughly $3,000 for its benevolence fund to directly support a Smyrna Fire Department lieutenant and 20-year veteran of the force who has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.

“It was a gorgeous day to celebrate our first responders in a unique and fun way,” Denise Czarnik, executive director of the Smyrna Public Safety Foundation, said. “Events like this remind us about the power of community, and we look forward to continuing to support those who help keep Smyrna safe and make it the wonderful community it is.”

Several participants took home honors during the car show portion of the day’s festivities:

• Mike Byars, 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS
• Mike Terry, 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air
• Doug Roberts, A/C Cobra
• Michel Seagraves, 1971 Dodge Challenger
• Jimmy Elliott, 1940 Ford Sedan
• George Palm, 1960 Chevrolet Corvette
• Justin Simms, 1983 DeLorean
• Rob Wagner, 1977 Ford Bronco
• Sam Lewis, 1966 Dodge Coronet
• David Rudnor, 2002 Chrysler Prowler
• Beanie Brasch, 1972 Chevrolet Super Cheyenne
• Christian Ewing, 1972 Chevrolet C10

Ron Davis picked up the Best of Show honor for his 1967 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, while Rob Wagner won the Chiefs Award for his 1977 Ford Bronco. Justin Simms claimed the Kids Choice award for his 1983 DeLorean.

Future Smyrna Public Safety Foundation events include Jazz Under the Gazebo on Nov. 2 in downtown Smyrna and Shop with a Hero in December. For more information, visit smyrnapsf.org.