Cleveland police officers and firefighters hit the hardwood at Cleveland Public Auditorium for their first charity basketball game with help from the Cleveland Charge, the NBA G League franchise owned by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The safety forces sure don’t play like the Cleveland Cavaliers, but they showed no less intensity in their first charity basketball game Saturday at Cleveland Public Auditorium, where fouls were given out like speeding tickets. 

YouTube video

The event was hosted by the Association of Cleveland Fire Fighters IAFF Local 93 and the Cleveland Police Patrolmen’s Association, the unions that represent firefighters and police officers.  

The firefighters controlled the game from start to finish, winning 54-39. The firefighters received a trophy at center court after the game. 

“Today’s game exemplifies our tight-knit comradery in the first responder community and our continued commitment to do good for our city beyond the alarm,” IAFF Local 93 President Jake Konys said in a statement on Saturday.  “We’re thankful for the Cleveland Charge’s partnership and the opportunity to bond with our brother and sister police officers over sport.”

The unions say they plan to make this annual event. 

You can watch the action above.

Signal Statewide Bureau Chief/Editor-At-Large
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