In 2009 Dallas Police gang unit officer Norm Smith was shot and killed in the line of duty. It was the first time neighborhood resident and former Dallas Country Assistant District Attorney Taly Haffar had known an officer personally who lost his life while doing his job. It affected him deeply, and so he decided to do something about it. He contacted the gang unit sergeant, and held a three-on-three basketball game for police officers and firefighters. The game raised $6,000, which he donated to the gang unit.
Now, Haffar runs the Battle of the Badges All-Star basketball game, which is in its second year. (If you recognize Haffar’s name, it’s because he also also created the Gustavo Ipina Memorial Scholarship for Woodrow students.) Last year the game was held at St. Thomas Aquinas, and this year the game will take place at the Dr Pepper Arena in Frisco this Saturday, Aug. 27. Along with the competition between police officers and firefighters, there will be face-painting, contests and other family-friendly events. The Legends Dance Team will be there as well.
Tickets are $10 at the door (children under 10 get in free), and all proceeds go to the Guns and Hoses Foundation, which assists the families of fallen police officers and firefighters. Doors open at 6 p.m. and tip-off is at 7 p.m.
