First responders unite for thrilling softball showdown

DICKINSON — Whether you were cheering for team Guns or team Hoses, there was no denying that the real winners of the annual Guns N’ Hoses community softball game were the residents of Dickinson. On Saturday, June 10, the Dickinson Police Department and the Dickinson Fire Department took to the field for a thrilling showdown that left the crowd in stitches and filled with joy.

In the past, the Dickinson Police Department had dominated this friendly competition, but recent years have seen the Dickinson Fire Department emerge as a force to be reckoned with — with this year’s performance showing their mettle in securing a resounding 27-5 victory.

Lieutenant Kylan Klauzer, of the Dickinson Police Department, highlighted the significance of this event in bringing the community together.

“Anytime we can get together with our fellow brethren in the fire department and team up with the sheriff’s department and these other first responders in the area, it’s a good thing,” Klauzer expressed. “Bringing in the community, and it was a pretty good attendance today, you know, maybe 100 people or so in the stands, I think it’s a good thing. Just being able to have that mesh is something that I think all the first responders are trying to strive for when we’re building this community relationship, these partnerships.”

Klauzer also praised drug task force officer Alex Schroeder, who was named the player of the game for the Dickinson Police Department.

Deputy Fire Chief Mark Selle, of the Dickinson Fire Department, emphasized the enjoyment and camaraderie that this event brings.

“This is a fun event for everybody, and we enjoyed playing against the PD,” Selle shared. “It’s kind of nice to play and do some things in a fun way and do something out here in front of the public and let them see how well we all get along. It’s just a great event and opportunity to be able to play a game against them, razz a little bit, but still have fun and not have to be in a serious situation all the time.”

Selle also highlighted the outstanding performance of first baseman Tyler Tucker, who was honored as the player of the game for the Dickinson Fire Department. Tucker’s incredible catches and defensive prowess helped keep the opposing team at bay all afternoon.

While Tucker got the DFD nod for stand-out performer, Selle couldn’t help but praise the entire defense.

“I would love to say that our whole defense is actually the player of the game, because they did a great job today. They were pretty stellar for the most part.”

Dustin Dassinger, City Administrator for the City of Dickinson and retired Police Chief, expressed his delight in witnessing the continued camaraderie between the police and fire departments.

“It’s great to see the spirit of the game regardless of what the scoreboard showed today,” Dassinger remarked. “Our police and firefighters got out there in front of our community. They work really well together on a usual basis, and it’s fun to see them play in a non-competitive game. But apparently, I’m going to have to come out of retirement next year. It’s time to start doing some two-a-days, but PD has a goal ahead of them for next year.”

When asked about his son, a Dickinson firefighter, playing against his former brothers during the friendly exhibition, Dassinger couldn’t help but smile.

“I’m very proud of him, regardless of him being at the fire department or police department,” Dassinger shared. “It’s just great to see him out there. Obviously, I had to cheer for fire when he was up to bat or out in the field a couple of times today, but I’m very proud of him for being a part of the Dickinson Fire Department.”

As the sun set on the friendly clash between the Dickinson Police Department and the Dickinson Fire Department, the cheers and laughter echoed through Astoria Field. This annual tradition not only showcases the athletic skills of our emergency services heroes, but also highlights the unity and bond between these two crucial departments.

The Guns N’ Hoses softball game once again reminded residents of Dickinson that, beyond their roles as protectors, these first responders are also friends and teammates, working together for the greater good of the community.

James B. Miller, Jr. is the Editor of The Dickinson Press in Dickinson, North Dakota. He strives to bring community-driven, professional and hyper-local focused news coverage of southwest North Dakota.