Bradenton Police, Fire Departments to meet in Boots vs. Badges charity softball game

BRADENTON, Fla. (WWSB) - Bradenton police officers and firefighters will face off Thursday in the Boots vs. Badges charity softball game at LECOM Park, with proceeds going to local charities.Bradenton Police Chief Josh Kramer and Fire Chief Tim Gere discussed the game in an interview.One of the chiefs said the two departments played each other years ago, and the Marauders hosted the games at LECOM Park. In recent years, the police department played the Sheriff’s Office, which is not able to play this year, the chief said. The departments decided to bring the rivalry back to the field.Kramer said the departments work toward the same goal.“Tim and I are like brothers that we always have but never really wanted, you know. That’s sort of how firefighters and police officers get along,” Kramer said. “We all are out there to help the community. That’s our biggest mission in life, really. But any chance we get to go head-to-head, it’s always a fun time.”Asked about trash talk before the game,