CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — In a heartwarming display of unity and camaraderie, local firefighters and law enforcement officers battled it out on the baseball field in the inaugural ‘Guns ‘n’ Hoses’ charity softball game on Sunday. The event, held at VA Memorial Stadium, home of the Paints, which is sponsored by Cohen Orthopedic, was dedicated to supporting Sergeant Eric Kocheran’s recovery. Kocheran was shot in the line of duty last November while serving at the Ross County Sheriff’s Office.
The stadium buzzed with excitement as the two teams squared off, each donning red and blue shirts to symbolize their respective professions. The event drew a sizable crowd of supporters, all eager to witness the friendly rivalry and show their solidarity for Kocheran.
Thousands of dollars were raised through a silent auction, featuring a wide array of items donated by local businesses and community members. Additionally, attendees had the chance to participate in a rifle raffle, adding an element of anticipation to the day.
The highlight of the game was not only the spirited competition but also the lighthearted antics of the law enforcement team. State troopers, showing up in full uniform, seized the opportunity to engage with the players and crowd. They used a radar gun to humorously “clock” the speed of some of the players, wrote playful citations, and even enlisted a K9 officer for a pretend-sniffing demonstration on the players. The hilarious displays left everyone, especially the children in attendance, in fits of laughter.
In the end, Firefighters hosed Law Enforcement with the final score being 18-12.
Kocheran, the event’s honoree, expressed his gratitude to the community for their unwavering support during his recovery. He said, “I’m overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from everyone here today. This event means the world to me, and it’s heartwarming to see our local heroes come together for me and a day of fun,” in a teary voice.
The ‘Guns ‘n’ Hoses’ softball game is expected back next year.
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