By Jena Seidemann, BubbleLife intern

On Friday, April 12, The Coppell Fire and Police Departments squared off in a charity game that brought out friendly competition and raised funds for Relay for Life.

Heading into the game, the City of Coppell’s Relay For Life team had $8,660 raised with a goal of $8,000 for this year. The money from the game raised more than $500 dollars to be added to the total amount.

Of the 78 fire department workers and 62 police officers, volunteers made up the teams. For the two months leading up to the game, both teams would try to practice once a week for two hours. However, with different shifts and work schedules, it was more challenging than it seemed.

“We have officers working day and night shifts, and we have no downtime because we are always answering calls,” Coppell Police Chief Mac Tristan said. “Not everyone [could] show up.”

In the real world, both departments are very important to the community when responding to calls and accidents, and although the stereotypical myth is that the two are rivals, both are heavily involved with one another. If an accident occurs, the police are called out to secure the scene for weapons or danger.

“If there is a bad call, officers secure the scene,” Coppell Fire and Police dispatcher Ashley Vinson said. “Paramedics have no way of protecting themselves.”

Likewise, if the police arrive at a crime scene, the paramedics are called for treatment.

To start off the game, the police scored a 3-pointer that was followed by 4 points from the Fire Department. Throughout the entire game, the lead swayed from each team, and at times, the police department mounted great comebacks. However, it was not enough as the Coppell Fire Department took the win with the close score of 43-37.

The game was a fun way to raise funds for a great cause and let the city officials cut loose in a competitive way. It was also a way for the two departments to come together in an uplifting way. Both sides of spectators were just as involved in the game as those who were playing. Oohs and ahhs were bellowed after great shots, plays and all throughout the game.

“When we work together, it is usually not a good thing,” Tristan said. “Here, we come together and have fun; it is very competitive as a brotherhood and family.”

Death, pain, fires and other accidents are what fill their workday, but the game allows them to leave those problems behind and enjoy themselves.

“Tonight or tomorrow or an hour later, we could go back and answer another tragedy,” Tristan said. “We can get away from it.”