It was a fun time and a good cause--with good results!
Meeting on Saturday, May 17 at Park High, area law enforcement and event sponsors raised a total of $8,645 for charity, the total to be split between Basic Needs Inc. and SoWashCo CARES.
Announcing for the charity event was done by Park High School Activities Director Phil Kuemmel, with members of the boys basketball team helping fill in on the court. Acting as referees for the event were Joseph Garza and St. Paul Park Mayor Keith Franke, with County Commissioner Karla Bigham doing the ceremonial tip-off prior to start. Tied four times in the first half, the score at halftime was 37-33 with Cottage Grove Police in the lead.
Coming back after the half and tying the game once more, the Cottage Grove Fire Department ultimately claimed the trophy 77-73.
Sponsors for the Saturday charity event as announced by Kuemmel included Van Meter, Marathon, and Representative Wayne Johnson. Representative Johnson was unable to attend the game as he was still in session. Present for the City of Cottage Grove was Cottage Grove City Council Member Monique Garza.
“Our sponsors really came through,” Basic Needs Inc. Executive Director Opey Peñaloga said of the total funds raised. Just over 50 spectators attended the first annual charity event.
Peñaloga shared more on the outcome.
“It’s incredible exciting to see our local law enforcement and public safety teams showing up to support the community in such a positive way,” he said. “With this event landing on the first day of National Police Week, we wanted to celebrate the everyday service and dedication these teams give our communities. A huge thank you to all the fame who came out to support this first-year event—we can’t wait to see you all in 2026!”
SoWashCo CARES shared Peñaloga’s enthusiasm.
“The FD won the Battle of the Badges this year but we as a community are the true winners,” it said in a Facebook post. “Thank you to Basic Needs of MN for including SoWashCo CARES in the fun. It’s our community helping our community.”
Among those present on the court or in some official capacity at the first annual Battle of the Badges were the following:

Cottage Grove Fire:
Chelsey Flores
Mike Dandl
Brandon Eckren

Cottage Grove PD:
Tyler Harris
Scott Shaver
Luke Landgraf
Ryan Sheak

Washington County Sheriff:
Tyler Freeman

Students:
Weston Sheak
Caleb Swify
Anthony Giadyu
Miskir Esayas
Leo Eiden-Giel
Ryan Rumpca
Josh Ola-Kazeem
Carter Coombs
Caleb Sweet
Donovan Sheak

Honored Guests
Karla Bigham, County Commissioner
Monique Garza, CG City Councilwoman
Joseph Garza
Keith Franke, SPP Mayor
Julie Nielsen, SoWashCo Superintendent
Kirstin Sersland, Marathon Community Engagement
Opey Peñaloga, Basic Needs Inc
Cheryl Jogger, SoWashCo CARES
Phil Kuemmel, Park High Activities Director

The next Battle of the Badges debuts in 2026.