From left: Lincoln Academy SRO, Mark Fortin; Battle of the Badges committee members Hannah Corson and deputy Ethan Burns; CHIP representative Sarah Kennedy

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department announces the successful conclusion of its second annual Battle of the Badges basketball tournament, which raised $3,825 for Community Housing Improvement Project (CHIP). The event, held on Saturday, March 29, at Lincoln Academy in Newcastle, saw a remarkable turnout despite a late season snow storm.

The Battle of the Badges brought together local law enforcement, emergency services, and community members for a spirited competition aimed at supporting emergency support for neighbors in need. More than 40 people participated on teams made up of six players. Teams including Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson Fire, Waldoboro EMS/Police, Wiscasset EMS/Police, CLC, Boothbay Fire. Waldoboro EMS/Police brought this year’s trophy back to their station after an exciting final game with Lincoln County Sheriffs office.

This is the second consecutive year the tournament has served as a significant fundraiser for CHIP, contributing to the organization providing emergency heating assistance and home repairs for more than 450 Lincoln County households in the past year.

Event organizers Hannah Corson, Deputy Ethan Burns, and Lincoln Academy School Resource Officer Mark Fortin presented the check to Sarah Kennedy, one of CHIP’s volunteer board members.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support from our community and all the teams who participated, especially given the snowy weather on game day,” said Lincoln Academy School Resource Officer and event founder Mark Fortin. “It’s a lot of work to organize an event like this, but it’s also a lot of fun and inspiring to see everyone come together for a worthy cause. The ‘Battle of the Badges’ is more than just a basketball tournament; it’s a testament to our community’s commitment to helping those in need.”

“It has been wonderful to see so many people from the community come together to support this event – from the volunteers who put it together, the teams representing different law enforcement agencies, EMS and fire departments and spectators.” said Hannah Corson, who works in the Business Office at Lincoln Academy and is one of the organizers.

CHIP provides critical emergency home repairs and heating assistance to neighbors in need. The funds raised from the “Battle of the Badges” will directly support CHIP’s mission to ensure safe and warm housing for vulnerable residents.

This event was made possible thanks to the host Lincoln Academy, all participating teams, volunteers, and community members whose generosity made this year’s tournament a success. Plans are already underway for next year’s Battle of the Badges to continue this impactful tradition, though organizers are considering switching things up to a summer softball tournament to try something new and avoid all possibility of winter storm on game day.

About CHIP Inc.: Community Housing Improvement Project (CHIP) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing emergency home repairs and heating assistance to residents in Lincoln County, ensuring they have safe, warm and dry living conditions. For more information or to request assistance, please visit https://www.chipinc.org or call 207-380-9276.