By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

RESERVE – A smattering of supporters braved the morning chill and fog Saturday for the first ”Guns and Hoses” flag football game between the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Department and fire fighters.

The contest was initiated as a way to raise community awareness of and participation in the sheriff’s annual Christmas toy drive.

According to St. John Professional Fire Fighters Association President Michael Heath, attendees donated about 40 toys, $131 and a few boxes of canned goods for the cause.

“I was very satisfied with the turnout from the public. … I think it was a tremendous success,” said Heath.

According to Heath, the game offered something more than the opportunity for more fundraising.

“We were able to get the community involved and also let the public interact with the sheriff’s and fire departments in a different way,” he said. “Next year will be bigger and better, along with a different winner of the game.”

Heath’s last remark referred to the Sheriff’s Department’s overwhelming victory.

Trailing 28-0 at the half, the fire fighters finally put some points early in the second half. Despite that touchdown and a couple of interceptions, the Sheriff’s Department continued its dominance throughout the rest of the game.

With the winner pretty much decided well before the final whistle blew, the men played for pride.

Few could even recall the actual final score of the game when all was said and done.

What the Sheriff’s Department could recall, however, was that members of the fire department would be washing their vehicles to satisfy a pre-game wager.

Regardless of the outcome, the camaraderie among the parish’s first responders was evident in their playful attitude as Parish President Natalie Robottom presented the winners with the trophy they will get to hang on to for at least a year.