Town Council Recognizes Battle of the Badges Contribution to Miracle League of the Triangle
Holly Springs fire and police departments present $15,000 check following annual charity softball tournament
Holly Springs, NC, Jul. 23, 2025 — The July 15 Holly Springs Town Council meeting featured more than the usual agenda items; it also highlighted the culmination of a regional effort to support children and adults with special needs. During the meeting, officials from Holly Springs' fire and police departments presented a $15,000 check to the Miracle League of the Triangle, the result of fundraising from the 2025 Battle of the Badges softball tournament, held in April at Ting Park.
The annual tournament is a double-elimination competition between area fire, police, and EMS departments. This year’s participating teams included: Apex Fire Department, Apex Police Department, Cary Fire Department, Cary Police Department, Fuquay-Varina Police Department, Garner Police Department, Garner Fire Department, Holly Springs Fire Department, Holly Springs Police Department, Morrisville Fire Department, and Wake County EMS.
Fire Chief LeRoy Smith of the Holly Springs Fire Department delivered remarks during the presentation, emphasizing the spirit of service that drives the event. Speaking on behalf of all the first responders who participated, he said:
“This check represents more than just dollars. It represents our community that believes every child deserves a team, every player deserves a cheer, and every moment on the field matters.”
The proceeds benefit the Miracle League of the Triangle, a nonprofit that provides inclusive baseball experiences for individuals with special needs. The league's fields feature synthetic surfaces that accommodate wheelchairs and walkers, and each game is staffed by volunteers who help players participate fully, many of whom are participating for the first time.
Smith was joined by Police Chief Paul Liquorie, Assistant Chief of Operations Jamie Holland, and Kyle Coburn, Volunteer & Grant Coordinator for the Miracle League of the Triangle, in presenting the donation. Coburn accepted the check on behalf of the organization, thanking the departments and the broader community for their continued support.
The funds will help the Miracle League maintain its facilities, expand its programming, and continue providing meaningful experiences for players and their families throughout the Triangle.
As the tournament continues to grow each year, so does its impact. The Battle of the Badges has become a powerful example of how public safety professionals across the region can unite around a common cause to make a lasting difference.
For more information about the Miracle League of the Triangle or to get involved, visit www.mltriangle.com.