“Battle of the Badges”

Cops 4 Kids Fundraiser brings out the big guns

Police officers and firefighters may earn a living keeping the peace and battling blazes, but last weekend they faced off against each other in the “Battle of the Badges XIV” hosted by Cops 4 Kids & Communities (C4KC). Held in the Grand Ballroom of the Pechanga Resort and Casino, there were some big guns dukin’ it out–all for a great cause. The proceeds from this sold-out charity fight night benefits the non-profit organization founded by members of law enforcement.

This boxing tournament is always one of my favorites to attend with it’s spirited crowd, live band and plenty of fisticuffs from the brave competitors representing the fire and police departments. The C4KC’s Executive Director Jeff Penn greeted us at the entrance as he, the Board of Directors and hundreds of volunteers were looking forward to the 17 amateur bouts (including three female bouts) showcased throughout the evening. Tickets to the fights were a highly sought-after commodity with fans coming out in droves. “We sold out a month before the show!” the former police officer commented. “We even expanded the seating area this year to accommodate more people.” Over 2,200 fans began streaming in as soon as the doors opened and at press time, approximately $40,000 has been raised just from this one night alone.

Kicking off the night was a special performance by some of the kids involved in the charity. The tiny dancers from the C4Kids Dance Team stepped into the ring–decked out in their fright night finest of ghoulish face paint and zombie-styled hair–as they performed a Halloween routine to the sounds of “Thriller.” Next up was a Color Guard procession that ushered in teen sensation 16-year-old Anyssa Gonzalez, from Twentynine Palms, who had the honor of singing the National Anthem. “I’ve been signing since I was three years old; it’s my passion!” she told me as I visited with the pretty teenager and her mother before her knockout performance.

Then it was time for the matches to begin! Live band Wayside Loop provided the fighters’ entrance songs as the gladiators walked out and climbed the four steps leading to the “flashpoint” of center ring. Busting out of the red and blue corners were the fearless heroes from the cities of Temecula, Orange County, Murrieta, San Bernardino and more. With game faces on, the officers, firefighters and EMTs were announced by Master of Ceremonies Ken Southern and Mark Blanton as the audience roared. Going by fight names of their own choosing like “The Nasty Knuckle-Dragger,” “The Hispanic Panic,” “The Medic Nightmare,” “Felix the Flexster” and “The Pico Punisher,” they went all out in two minute rounds. They really gave it their all at the risk of an occasional black eye with many a bruised ego.

In flurries of action, the weekend warriors put their rivalries on the line as they went toe to toe on the canvas. With songs like “Bad to the Bone” and “Ring of Fire” blaring from the speakers, the courageous men and women set aside their badges and weapons and rocked the house. Backed by their huge fan bases of family and friends, the brawls continued all night long as the crowd cheered on. C4KC Chairman Richard Perry knows what it feels like to lace up; he was one of the combatants in the very first “Battle.” He is also involved with the C4KC Youth Boxing Club that helps keep the inner-city children off the streets while teaching them skills, discipline and good sportsmanship. And justice prevailed with the $40,000 of donations going to assist the underprivileged youngsters through sports (including the boxing club and a football camp), educational and art programs, scholarships and mentorship opportunities.

One of the many MVPs of the non-profit is Rebekah Ford from the Riverside District Attorneys office. She made sure to check out two of the fighters from her station. Rebekah proudly stated that Regina “Bam Bam” Quillen is “small but mighty AND our first female patrol officer to fight” from their department. Also gloving up was Felix “Flexter” Medina who had quite an entourage with him during his walkout.

As we watched Medina (whose corp group were all wearing “Felix the Cat” shirts) climb through the ropes, Ford was excited to see all of his many supporters. “Oh, all the guys are here! Look, that’s our forensic photographer!” she laughed. “We do crime scenes together; Wow! Half of the department’s detectives are here!” As the “Flexter” started throwing punches, Rebekah, who has fought in past events herself, noticed Felix’s confidence. “Ooh, look at his eyes!” she whispered to me. “He’s saying ‘I got this!'” After the bell, Team Medina celebrated his win over the tough Tony “2” Goode, a sergeant at the Pechanga reservation.

Ford has been involved in C4KC for over a decade now. While she’s tough on the job, she also shows a softer side for all her associates in the force. Nicknamed the “Cookie Lady,” she is known for her tasty treats given to her fellow officers. “Yep, it’s a tradition,” she confirms as I sampled her delicious baked goods. “This year I made 125 cookies for everyone!” After our quick cookie break, it was time for more boxing.

Before the Co-Main began, there was even a Ring Card Boy competition for the female fans to judge. Stripping off their shirts, the guys got their time in the spotlight too. Then it was time for the Main Event between Justin “Bubba” Robinson and Victor “Pura Vida” Vargas, with the Correctional Officer Vargas getting the victory.

“Fight of the Night” braggin’ rights went to John “The Warden” Almeida and Brandon “The Grenade” Vierra, who fought to a split decision with Almeida edging out Vierra. Each received an autographed Sugar Ray Leonard glove which were presented by ex-welterweight and current World Boxing Hall of Fame President Armando Muñiz.

Also in attendance was former WBC Featherweight Champ and Hall of Famer Danny “Little Red” Lopez, MMA fighter Bryan Colebrook, former lightweight champ Bobby Sedillo, cutman “Indian” Willie Schunke and trainer Joe Esquivel (Chris Arreola’s cornermen), Ring Card Girls Paula Fernandez and Trina Sanchez, plus several other familiar faces from the fight scene who all donated their time to help the hundreds of at-risk youth involved in the charity.

The C4KC group promotes these “Battle of the Badges” twice a year, so stay tuned for future shows.

Congratulations to all the fighters at the 14th Annual “Battle of the Badges”!

Photos by Michele Chong

For more info: www.c4kc.org