ISHPEMING, Mich. (WZMQ) – It was cops vs firefighters Friday night in Ishpeming for the start of the Gus Macker tournament.
The Ishpeming Fire Department faced off against the Michigan State Police hoping to defend their title in the annual Battle of the Badges. The championship game was a hard fought battle with the State Police pulling off the upset and dethroning the fire fighters
Even with the rain the game was well attended by community members who were cheering on the first responders.
“Its just a time we can come out and show our appreciation for them and they can have a fun time,” remarked Gus Macker organizer Mary Peterson.
Raffle tickets were sold with half the proceeds going to the Michigan State Police as a prize for winning. The mini tournament was just the start of basketball this weekend in Ishpeming with the full Gus Macker tournament tipping off Saturday morning.
Proceeds from this year’s tournament will benefit the nice community school districts athletic programs.
“There’s only so much funds a school has, and as sports progress, the equipment progresses, and it becomes expensive to buy those things, so any money we can get to put towards those types of things is very important,” said Peterson who also serves as the track coach for Westwood High School.
The opening ceremonies for the Gus Macker Tournament take place at 8am on saturday.
