FAIRHOPE, Alabama — Fire and Police departments from Baldwin County always take pride in their respective duties so seeing which one of the serve, protect, respond and rescue agencies can claim bragging rights from a head-to-head softball showdown should be a great way to spend a Saturday at Fairhope’s Municipal Park on Volanta Avenue March 17. The first game starts at 11 a.m.

And this Blue-on-Blue rivalry contest will also serve a worthy cause for a brother in blue. Summerdale Police officer recruit Terry Fent was just seven days away from full health insurance coverage when an off-duty auto accident Feb. 18 nearly took his life.

Fortunately he is recovering in the hospital at the University of South Alabama said benefit organizer Candie Koenig who added Fent may be able to attend the fundraiser game Saturday. Unfortunately, he and his family will be facing enormous medical bills and a long recovery period. Fent grew up in Rosinton and graduated from Robertsdale High.

“Seven days,” Koenig said about the timing. “Seven days away from full coverage. That just really makes you think. It kind of hit home for me because I’m engaged to a police officer, so we want to help all we can and I think of it as a pay it forward type thing. Right now we are all hoping and all putting a lot of prayer into him making it there. When I last saw him, he looked a lot better and I know he really wants to be there.

“Terry is just a really good person and he has a lot of friends. But a lot people who can’t be there will still be contributing and be there in spirit. We know that’s when T-Ball starts and also a lot of the policemen and firefighters are coaches and working shifts makes it hard too. But it was the best time to have it and we really appreciate the City of Fairhope and the Fairhope Fire and Police departments for helping us get it.”

Admission to the game is $5 for adults, $3 for children 3-12 years and under three is free.

Food and refreshments will be available and bouncy inflated playhouses for children will be on site.

For more info contact Hillary Johnson at 251-391-5587 or Koenig at 251-424-7212. Also look for the Officer Fent Support Page on Facebook.