Fire-Police Charity Roundball Game Might Feature New, Local Faces This Year

University Place has got next.

Well, maybe not exactly, but there is a chance that players from the former will be dribbling, slashing, shooting and flying to the rim in the seventh annual Helmets Vs. Shields charity basketball game April 16.

The game pits the best roundballers from Lakewood Police and West Pierce Fire & Rescue. Proceeds benefit the Make a Difference Fund and the Life Safety Charity Fund.

In previous years, the event was strictly a Lakewood thing. However, meant that they would combine their resources.

That includes eligible players for this year's charity game, of course.

Spokeswoman Jenny Sharp said she hasn't been given an official roster from her department's team, but there is a chance it could feature faces from UP.

That, along with the fact that the fire department's Life Safety Charity Fund could now help UP and Lakewood families displaced by fire, is all the more reason locals might want to cheer for the Helmets, she said.

Also, the fire department lost the game last year, which gives West Pierce more than enough motivation to win.

"We're trying to win back our trophy," Sharp said.

But Lakewood Police won't be playing at a total disadvantage. They have been allowed to recruit an employee from the state Department of Corrections who is pretty good, Sharp said.

The game starts at 6 p.m., at Pierce College, 9401 Farwest Drive SW in Lakewood. Tickets are $5 at the door.

For more information, click here.