One of the popular events of summer has come to an end in Danville. Police and Firefighters have decided that after fourteen years the 2017 Finest vs. Bravest Softball event at Danville Stadium was the last one.
A statement released by Danville Firefighters Local 429 and Danville Police said the decision was not an easy one, and the committee made it for several reasons.
The statement thanked the thousands of fans who have not only supported the police and firefighters but also the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team and VetSports.
‘’Annually, our event was one of the largest single day family events in Vermilion County. We owe that to you – the dedicated fans,’’ said the statement.
Brian Hogg, President of the Danville Firefighters Local, says one of the reasons the series has been halted is that the average age of the firefighters has been rising…and is now 44. He noted that due to recent hiring, the police now ‘’have a number of twenty-somethings.’’ There is no one on the fire department under 30.
‘’In our fourteen years, we were able to donate tens of thousands of dollars to several local recipients,’’ said the statement from Danville’s Bravest and Finest. ‘’Through our donations, several local organizations were able to provide additional services for our community and some individuals were able to further their fight against different forms of cancer.
A portion of the event was that we allowed the players from the AMBUCS Challenger Baseball League an opportunity to play on the Danville Stadium field along with police, fire and veteran buddies. These experiences will stay with these children forever, added the statement.
Firefighters President Brian Hogg says he expects something will eventually replace the Finest vs. Bravest softball series. But for now, the police officers, firefighters and veterans want to thank fans for their support over the years.
