Scoring baskets for the community

Firefighters and police officers from Camas, Washougal and Vancouver played a friendly game of basketball Friday, at Camas High School, and donated 313 pounds of canned foods to the Inter-Faith Treasure House, in Washougal.

“We both wear different uniforms, but we’re all on the same team,” said Camas-Washougal Firefighter Wade Faircloth. “We are here to help people.”

Faircloth, James Tierney, Dane Hammond, Josh Proctor, Michael Coyle, Matt Baldwin, Miguel Salamanca, Kevin Villines, Michael DePasquale, Kevin Bergstrom, Dan McCoy and Zach Allen represented the fire department.

Josh Troyer, Kyle Day, Phil Cianni, Tim Fellows, Lawrence Zapata, Fili Matua, Casey Handley, Julie Ballou, Colton Price, Beth Graves, Erik Zimmerman and Zane Freschette played for the police squad.

Police won the contest 65-58. Fire fought back from 13 points down to make it a 4-point game late in the fourth quarter.

“It was a close game, the crowd got really involved and I was thrilled,” Fellows said. “I’d say the win gives us a little bit of bragging rights. Next year, we’ll be ready to defend.”

Faircloth said he and his fellow firefighters were just trying to make it a game. He hopes next year’s event can draw a little bit more buzz around Camas and Washougal.

“We should be able to fill those stands with people, only to fill those cans with boxes,” Faircloth said. “Come watch us old-timers have a good time trying to relive our youth.”

As much as Troyer enjoyed getting out on the court and competing, he also took advantage of the opportunity to help kids in the basketball clinic beforehand. He said about 25 children participated, and many of them stuck around to cheer for the police officers and firefighters they just met.

“It’s cool seeing so many people come together for a good cause,” Troyer said. “I hope this becomes an annual event, and a fun game to look forward to every year. I’m leaving with a few bruises. I’m a little sore, but I also have lots of good memories.”