Field of Dreams raises funds for Fritz, Johnson families this year

BOARDMAN

The sun began to set on the Field of Dreams Monday evening. The air was cool and the third annual Battle of the Badges softball match between the township fire and police departments was about to begin.

The annual event honors both the anniversary of the sacrifices first responders made following the 9/11 terrorist attacks and as a fundraiser for local people in need.

“We enjoy just coming out and having fun,” Sgt. Chuck Hillman said. “The high school band comes out and supports us; the community supports us. It’s a lot of fun.”

This year, the township fire department collected donations for the John Fritz Fund for the family of the fallen Austintown firefighter. Fritz, 48, was found dead at the fire station June 27 after he did not respond to a fire call.

The police department raised funds for police chaplain Larry Johnson, who was diagnosed with brain cancer and is undergoing radiation therapy. The money will go to him and his family to pay for medical expenses.

Read more about the event in Tuesday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.