Mississippi law enforcement agencies and first responders are taking the court for a cause on Saturday, July 12, for the “Battle of the Badges Basketball Tournament.”
The basketball event is presented by the Deputy Martin L. Shields Jr. Memorial Foundation in honor of fallen Hinds County Deputy Martin Luther Shields Jr., 37, who was fatally shot on the evening of Feb. 23 while responding to a domestic dispute call at a home on Midway Road in Terry.
Born on July 14, 1987, Shields dedicated his life to serving his community and protecting his fellow citizens. This was evident in the hundreds of people who showed up at Shields’ celebration of life service to pay their respects, including Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves.
Teams scheduled to participate in the event include the Hinds County Sheriff’s Department, Jackson Fire Department, Jackson Police Department, Ridgeland Police Department and Mississippi Highway Patrol.
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When, where is the Battle of the Badges event?
When: Doors open at 2 p.m., July 12
Where: Jackson Academy, 4908 Ridgewood Road in Jackson
Cost: $5 for kids 12 and under. $20 for general admission
Pre-purchased tickets can be bought online through Eventbrite.
All proceeds will go toward scholarships for graduating seniors in the Jackson Metro area.
Pam Dankins is the breaking news reporter for the Clarion Ledger. Have a tip? Email her at pdankins@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Hoops battle honors deputy Martin Shields, killed in the line of duty