UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State men’s basketball fans who cheer on the Nittany Lions at the Bryce Jordan Center on Jan. 18 will be treated to a bonus after the game: the second annual “Battle of the Badges,” a showdown between Penn State Police and State College’s Alpha Fire Company.
Immediately following the basketball game against Indiana, police officers and firefighters will take to the court for a 30-minute game of their own.
“It’s part of Hometown Hero Night, honoring local first responders,” said Sgt. Monica Himes of Penn State Police, who is both a player and the coach. “Last year we won 26-23 in a real nail biter. We’ve been practicing and hoping to keep that trophy at the station.”
“The game is all in good fun, and we’re hoping it will continue to be an annual event,” said Sanjay Bridges, public safety officer for Penn State Police and a recent graduate of the Finance & Business Diversity Mentoring Program.