Wilmette’s finest and bravest will take it to the softball field

Police officers and firefighters are on the same side. But that will change for one evening in Wilmette.

Thanks to a community effort, Wilmette Police and Wilmette Fire will compete in a charitable softball game at 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, at West Park in Wilmette.

The idea for the crosstown game — named the President’s Cup — began with Wilmette’s Katie Degen, the owner of Central Station Coffee and Tea who just last year co-hosted a community softball game between her shop’s staff and the staff of Chia Leah (another Wilmette small business).

Degen, though, was only half serious when she asked the police and fire chiefs (Michael Robinson and Brian Lambel) which department might win in a softball game. The chiefs didn’t back down, and the game took on a life of its own.

“The game hasn’t even happened yet and my favorite part by far is the nonstop smack talk between the departments,” Degen said. “It’s absolutely hilarious.”

Unbeknownst to her, Degen may have unlocked a decades-old feud. The Wilmette Police Department posted on Facebook that it won an original President’s Cup softball battle 18 years ago. They have the trophy — a picture of which they also posted to Facebook.

The boys in blue and men in red will sort it all out on June 12 at West Park, and the community is encouraged to cheer them on as well as enjoy a cookout, boxes of Cracker Jack, a national anthem from local musician Chris Karabas, a ceremonial first pitch from Wilmette Village President Senta Plunkett, and more.

Proceeds benefit two causes: Burn Camp, selected by the fire department, and Special Olympics Illinois, the police department’s choice.

“Usually we have a very good relationship with the fire department but on June 12 at 5 o’ clock that relationship is going out the window, and it’s game on,” joked Det. Jeff Kutschke, who added, “It’s just going to be a great moment for the community to come together … and families of this community meet some of the men and women who serve their village.”

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