On Saturday they’ll drop their badges for boxing gloves.
Inland police and firefighters will enter the ring at the Morongo Casino near Banning for the 12th annual Battle of the Badges event to raise money for the children’s charity, Cops 4 Kids. The organization, which partners law enforcement and youth activities, offers programs such as boxing for local youth. Police and firefighters offer job training, leadership programs and athletics as part of after-school and weekend events. “The mission is to keep kids occupied and off the streets in productive organized environments,” said Cops 4 Kids organizer and former San Jacinto police Sgt. Jeff Penn. “We know when kids have time on their hands they tend to get into trouble. When they’re here we know it’s reducing juvenile crime.” During Saturday’s event, law enforcement will don headgear and step into the ring for a full-contact fight in the Morongo Casino Grand Ballroom. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $30 for ringside seating.
The headline bout will feature Temecula police Sgt. Bob Epps vs. former Riverside County Animal Control Chief Adam Colebrook.