The Bristol Fire Department got revenge during this year’s “Battle of the Badges” charity softball game, held at the Bristol Town Beach on June 6, beating the Bristol Police Department by a score of 10-8 in a fiery but friendly competition.

The police, who won the inaugural game last year in dramatic, walk-off fashion, came out of the gates swinging, tallying five quick runs in the first of seven innings. But the firefighters weren’t fazed, answering with three runs of their own in the bottom of the first, and then absolutely shut the door with their pitching; blanking the cops over the next five innings.

The firefighters took the lead in the bottom of the second with another three-run inning. They added single runs in the third and fourth, and another two for insurance in the bottom of the fifth, doubling up the police by a score of 10-5. Those late runs turned out to be important, as the police nearly rallied in the top of the seventh, scoring three runs but just falling short of the comeback.

The second annual game raised funds for the East Bay Girls Softball, King Phillip Little League, Bristol Summer Camp and Bristol Youth Soccer.

“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the sponsors and everyone who contributed to making this event a tremendous success,” said Detective Brandon Correia of the Bristol Police Department, who helped organize and promote the event. “We all eagerly anticipate this wonderful event each year, enjoying the friendly competition between the Police and Fire Departments. It's always a joy to support the local children and give back to our community. This year, the Fire Department takes home the Championship Trophy, which has been proudly displayed in Chief Lynch’s office since last year. Congratulations to the Fire Department on their victory!”