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The Katy firefighters won two out of three games against Katy police in the first annual softball classic on June 29 at Katy City Park, but the post-game talk focuses more on the community support than scores.
Michael Ondruch, spokesman for the Katy Professional Fire Fighters Association (KPFFA) Local 5192, credits Hugo Guevara, an equipment operator, with the idea for the softball competition against the Katy Law Enforcement Association (KLEA).
Ondruch, who played outfield, said, “The game went well. We had a lot of fun. We got a good amount of support from the community.”
Both Ward A Councilman Frank O. Carroll III and Councilman-at-large Chris Harris also talked about community support.
Carroll was asked to throw out the first pitch of the game by the firefighters association. Harris served as honorary catcher for Carroll’s pitch.
“When we talk about one team, City Council is on that team,” said Harry Haynes, president of the KP
FFA Local 5192. “Our goal is to build a complete relationship at all levels of government from line personnel who perform daily tasks up to Mayor Bill Hastings. Our goal is to build the strongest team possible. We care and we want a strong relationship.”
“For me it highlights the two great groups we have in the city,” said Carroll, “and how much fun they have with each other and what a great resource they are for the city. Seeing the folks interacting with the community, we have top-notch police and fire departments.”
“I’m glad to see this tradition kicking off,” added Carroll. “I’m looking forward to it being twice the size. It was a great time for everyone to come and see the firefighters and police officers having a good time and raising money for charity as well.”
The firefighters association is conducting a raffle to raise money to fund a scholarship to send a high school graduate to fire school, explained Ondruch. Visit https://kpffa.rallyup.com/kpffa-raffle for details. The drawing will be Aug. 1. Some T-shirts from the softball classic also are still available, added Haynes.
In addition to the shirts for sell, firefighters and police officers cooked hamburgers, said Harris. “A lot of community members came out,” he agreed. “It was a lot of fun. They had a bounce house for kids.”
“It was a good crowd, good time and a lot of fun seeing firefighters and police officers playing. It was a great community atmosphere,” continued Harris. “It was good seeing both first responders getting out there and having a fun time. They see each other on all these horrible scenes and accidents. It was good getting everyone out there for true fun and for the public to be able to see them in that role.”
“First responders work hard protecting the city, staying trained and up-to-date with the most current data,” said Haynes. “Every now and then it’s nice for them to have fun. Our goal in that event is to improve or build our relationship with the police department.
“Ultimately we’re one team serving the citizens of Katy and we want to be the best team we can be,” said Haynes.
Prior to the classic, a few selected members of each team participated in a home run derby in which each player had 10 pitches to swing at. Firefighter Jonathan Davis won a trophy after he hit four home runs, said Haynes.
Harris called the softball classic a neat experience. “I hope they get to do it again,” he added.
Ondruch said sounded pretty sure about the possibility of a rematch but at a different time of year. “Absolutely, I think we’ll do it when it’s a little cooler. We thank the community for all the support.”
“We’ll have to add more stands next year for sure,” added Carroll, who said the game drew a decent turnout.
A spokesman for the KLEA couldn’t be reached for comment.