(POUGHKEEPSIE, NY) – Dutchess County first responders and other local participants were not deterred by the weather this past Saturday, October 21, as they competed in the Third Annual Battle of the Badges 5K run to benefit the Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse (CPCA) on the Dutchess Rail Trail.
As a light rain fell, nearly 50 competitors gathered along the 5K route at the Manchester Crossing Rail Trail entrance to race, including members of Arlington Professional Fire Fighters Local 2393, Town of Poughkeepsie PBA, and the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office. Senator Rob Rolison; Chris Rinck, President of Arlington Professional Fire Fighters, IAFF Local 2393; Dana Smith, Commissioner for Dutchess County Emergency Response; and Marco Ingoglia, CPCA Executive Director, opened the event with remarks and Sheriff Kirk Imperati sounded the official horn to start the race.
Though this was a fun competition between firefighters and police to see who had the fastest team, the real objective was to raise awareness and funds for the children and families who need support at the CPCA. The race was originally part of last month’s statewide One Too Many 5K held across New York State to support child advocacy centers but was postponed due to inclement weather conditions.
“This was my third year taking part in the Battle of the Badges,” stated Rinck after winning the fundraising trophy for the third year. “This is not only a great opportunity for us to have a fun back and forth with our partners in law enforcement, but also to support an amazing community organization with a very important mission.”
Other partners who contributed to the success of the event were Fit4Mom Dutchess County, who led a kids fun run obstacle course, K104 who provided music, Hudson Valley Munchies and Starbucks IBM who offered up snacks and beverages, New Creations Face & Body Art for painting faces, and Fleet Feet Poughkeepsie who tracked times for runners.
“We are grateful to our first responders for all they do everyday to help children stay safe,” stated Rachel Johnson, CPCA Senior Director of Development. “This event was a way to connect with them in a lighthearted setting with a goal of raising funds to support children and families who are in need of our services.”
To learn more about how you can join the mission of the CPCA, please visit thecpca.org.
About the Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse
Founded in 1973, The Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse’s mission is to prevent child abuse and maltreatment in the Mid-Hudson Valley. Each year, the CPCA serves approximately 15,000 children and adults through prevention programming, support services, and educational training.
