‘Guns’ dominate ‘Hoses’ with 21-7 answer during fundraiser ball game

By Brandi Makuski

Mild temps and calm skies made for the perfect day of softball between local law enforcement and firefighters on Oct. 9.

Officers from Stevens Point, Plover, and UWSP police departments and Portage Co. deputies gave a proper shellacking to firefighters from Stevens Point, Plover, and Hull during the contest, with a final score of 21-7.

Sunday marked the seventh match between the two teams, the third win for law enforcement. The last time local law enforcement met with firefighters on the ball diamond was in 2019, with the “Guns” team besting the “Hoses” team by a score of 7-6.

The exhibition softball game is a fundraiser for local veterans’ causes, and on Sunday it raised $95,000, according to Traci Tauferner, chair of the Guns N’ Hoses committee.

Donations this year go towards the Ageless Aviation Dream Flight, Never Forgotten Honor Flight, and the Portage County Allied Veterans Council Veterans Relief Fund.

But new this year are plans for a veterans memorial slated for installation along the Wisconsin River in Pfiffner Pioneer Park. The memorial would honor the memories of local law enforcement and firefighters who have served in the Armed Forces.

Sheriff Mike Lukas said after reaching out to nine prosperous residents across the county, he obtained $90,000 in donations in three days’ time.

“So we’ve got the memorial paid for already,” he said.

Prior to the game, firefighter/paramedic Ethan Przybylski, the Hoses team captain, delivered a box of donuts to Dalton Kobak from SPPD, a continuation of the good-natured ribbing between the two teams each year.

Mayor Mike Wiza was the home plate umpire and County Executive John Pavelski volunteered as a base coach. Calling color for the game was retired Stevens Point Police Chief Kevin Ruder.

Numerous veteran groups provided a Color Guard, and several children were on hand to assist with the display of an 80-foot American flag.

Donations to the Guns N’ Hoses nonprofit can be made via the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin by searching “Guns N’ Hoses Fund.”