Police officers and firefighters from Meridian, MS met for the 4th annual "Hoops for Jesus Battle of the Badges" basketball game on Thursday, with the police department evening the series at 2-2 with a 39 to 26 win over the fire department.
According to WTOK-TV, Meridian Chief of Police Benny Dubose said that both teams were looking forward to meeting for a fourth time on the hardwood.
"Fire Department versus Police Department—we do a lot of smack talking but that's all it is," Dubose said. "You know, in the end we're still brothers and sisters working together, but we’re going to beat them so it’s no big deal."
Proceeds from the Battle of the Badges—as well as the Hoops for Jesus—benefit graduating seniors from Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church.