Officers from the Summit Police Department joined their counterparts from the Millburn Police Department to compete in the first ever Battle of the Badges golf tournament on Thursday, September 29. The Battle was hosted at the prestigious Canoe Brook Country Club, Millburn.
Pairings of Officers from both Departments set out on the course in hopes of winning what has now become the coveted Battle of the Badges Cup. Limited edition golf shirts featuring a commemorative police patch, embroidered with the names of both Police Departments and the Canoe Brook seal, were also sold at the event in order to raise financial support for the NJ Golf Foundation (NJGF). The Foundation serves as the charitable arm of PGA America – NJ Section and works to positively impact communities by providing individuals from all backgrounds the opportunity to experience the game of golf.
“Our first ever Battle showcases Summit PD’s commitment to extending the influence of its proactive community policing efforts beyond our City’s borders,” Chief Weck said. “I’m proud of our collaboration with Millburn Police and Canoe Brook Country Club in facilitating an event that highlights our Department’s continuing efforts to find innovative ways to further our community outreach initiatives and am very grateful to all who made this excellent example of inter-agency and inter-county outreach possible.”
“In 2016, Canoe Brook Country Club’s Board of Trustees elected to host an event that would recognize the relationship between the Club and the emergency services departments of the towns where Canoe Brook is situated; Millburn and Summit,” said Canoe Brook GM Albert Costantini. “Over the course of the Club’s 115- year history, these first responders have always been there when needed and the Club’s Board wanted to express their gratitude for this commitment. It was our hope that this event would demonstrate to these individuals how much our membership appreciates their dedication and service to the Club and our surrounding community. Canoe Brook is proud to host this event on their behalf. Any funds raised by the participating departments are donated to charity. We expect to expand the event in future years to include all emergency services in both Summit and Millburn.”
Both Police Departments fielded very competitive squads of players on Canoe Brook’s challenging South Course, however, at the close of play, Summit PD won this year’s title by one stroke. Summit Mayor Nora Radest and Millburn Mayor W. Theodore Bourke were on hand as Canoe Brook GM Albert Costantini and Director of Golf George Deitz presented the Battle of the Badges Cup to the SPD team at the close of the tournament.
(above) Chief Weck accepts the Battle of the Badges Cup in victory from Canoe Brook’s George Deitz and Albert Constantini.
