They fight fires and fight crime—but come Saturday, May 17, they will be fighting for bragging rights. Liberty’s police and fire departments are dusting off their cleats and reviving the Guns and Hoses Softball Tournament, where the only thing more competitive than the score is the smack talk. The first pitch in this much-anticipated tournament is scheduled for 5 p.m.
The Liberty Police Department and Fire Department will go head-to-head in what they hope will be a best-of-three series. However, with both teams openly acknowledging the wear and tear of years on the job—and on the joints—there’s a decent chance the series may wrap up after two games.
“Let’s be honest—three games might be a stretch,” said Detective Johnathan Williams of the Liberty Police Department with a laugh. “But we’re planning to win in two, so the firefighters shouldn’t worry too much about the third.”
Liberty Fire Chief Brian Hurst isn’t about to let Williams’ comments go unchecked.
“We’re playing with only our people,” Hurst said. “They’re out there recruiting players like it’s the World Series. If they need to stack the deck with ringers to beat us, that’s fine. Let them have their moment. We all know they couldn’t pass the fire exam, so they ended up in law enforcement.”
Hurst also acknowledged that his team may face an internal disadvantage—himself.
“Liberty PD doesn’t have their chief playing, but I’ll be on the field,” he said. “I’m sure my team isn’t expecting much from me.”
Quoting the late country music legend Toby Keith, Hurst added, “I’m not as good as I once was, but I’m as good once as I ever was,” suggesting he hopes to make it through at least one game at full strength.
Adding more fuel to the competitive fire, Assistant Fire Chief Eric McDaniel made it clear his team isn’t backing down from the challenge.
“We are going to destroy them,” McDaniel said bluntly. “They can get whoever they want—stack their team with all-stars. I don’t want anyone outside our department. I want just our firefighters, so whenever we win, it’ll feel like a real victory.”
Beyond the rivalry and the laughs, the event serves a greater purpose. Proceeds from the tournament will support local holiday initiatives including Shop with a Cop, Silver Santa, and Angel Tree, which help provide gifts and support for children and seniors in need during the Christmas season.
To help make the event a success, the departments are calling on the community for support.
“We’re looking for people to donate bounce houses, water slides—anything for the kids,” Williams said. “We also need food vendors and a dunking booth. Our goal is to get as many people involved as possible and make this a great day for the whole community.”
An announcer has been secured for the games—someone both departments agree will double as a play-by-play commentator and professional heckler, ensuring the humor continues from the first pitch to the final run.
The public is invited and encouraged to attend for the sheer comedy value alone. Bring a lawn chair and some Advil to share with the players, grab a bite from local vendors, and come cheer on Liberty’s finest as they take the field for charity, community pride, and some good old-fashioned fun. Whether you’re Team Hoses or Team Guns, this is one event you won’t want to miss.
For more information, call Det. Johnathan Williams at 936-336-5666 or Asst. Fire Chief Eric McDaniel at 936-336-3922.