By Staff
Washington PD speaks up about charity b-ball game
By GREG KATSKI
Staff Writer
Let the trash-talking commence.
Since the Washington Fire-Rescue-EMS-Inspections Department took the first-ever Blue Lights vs. Red Lights charity basketball game last January, the Washington Police Department has been feeling the heat.
Patrolman Victor Garnett with the Washington PD was not on last year’s losing squad. But that doesn’t make him immune to the onslaught of trash-talking inflicted on the department by its counterparts.
Hoping to avoid a repeat performance, the Washington PD has already started warming up for the big game on January 24, which is sponsored by Eagle’s Wings food pantry and is being held at Washington High School.
The squad features 10 players from the department, and guest player and “secret weapon” Marty Paramore, the county’s clerk of court.
Five of the team’s members showed up for practice Saturday afternoon, taking some time for shoot around and getting a few pick up games in. Between the games, Garnett joked that any bad-mouthing from him was light-hearted and good-natured.
On the other hand, Det. Isaac Barrett, the team’s captain, seemed to take last year’s loss personally.
All proceeds from the second annual Blue Lights vs. Red Lights charity game go to Eagle’s Wings food pantry. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted.
Cheerleaders with the E.C. Cats competitive cheerleading squad and East Carolina University will be cheering on each department’s team and the “Best Of” Dancing with OUR Stars will provide halftime entertainment, said Adams.
Disc Jockey Jeff Diamond with 107.9 will be master of ceremonies for the evening.
After the police department squad’s hour-long practice, Garnett was oozing with confidence.
Garnett, who played high school ball at Northside, said, “We can play those guys anywhere.”
The patrolman thinks he can provide a big inside presence for the squad, which was missing last year, according to team captain Barrett.
The police department said it really comes down to pride.
The liven up the game, several of the department’s team members suggested that Washington Police Chief Mick Reed and Washington Fire Chief Jimmy Davis put a friendly wager on the game.
Several suggestions were thrown out, including the chief of the losing squad wearing the other department’s uniform.