Chicago police and firefighters played their first-ever charity softball tournament Saturday, August 29, at Wentworth Park, with CPD winning the overall championship and the two departments raising $7,330 for organizations supporting fallen and active first responders.
Light the Line and Ignite the Spirit each received $3,665 from the event, which included game proceeds and an online raffle. The fundraiser, organized by Midway-area business leader Geno Randazzo of All Exterior Contractors, was held as part of the Dana Strong Softball Tournament, an annual event now in its eighth year.
The tournament featured three rounds: a co-ed game, women’s game, and men’s game. CFD won the first two games (8-5 and 20-19), but CPD took the final game 12-4, securing the title based on aggregate runs. All players received commemorative shirts bearing the tournament logo, Light the Line and Ignite the Spirit emblems, and symbols honoring the 250th anniversary of America and the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11.
Light the Line supports mental health resources, programming, and family aid for Chicago police personnel. Ignite the Spirit provides similar support for firefighters. Elizabeth French, founding executive member of Light the Line and mother of fallen Chicago Police Officer Ella French, emphasized the importance of community backing.
“I’m glad that people are choosing to support it because it means a lot to me to be able to support the women and men of the Chicago Police Department,” said French. “That’s not possible without the support of all the people here and their willingness to have this fundraiser and help us out.”
Retired Chicago Police Officer Carlos Yañez Jr. is also an executive board member of Light the Line and was Ella French’s partner on CPD. He attended the tournament with family and reflected on the bond between police and fire.
“Early in my career, I attempted to enter a burning building but was forced back by the heat,” Yañez recalled. “I watched firefighters run in moments later. That’s when I really understood their bravery, sacrifices, and the toll of their job.”
Ald. Marty Quinn (13th) played in Game 1 and batted for team CPD, showing up for his ward and first responders, constituents, and neighbors.
“This represents the backbone of Chicago.” Quinn said, “This is who we live amongst, and this is what makes the city so great.”
Jason Huff is an 8th District Police Council member and partnered with Randazzo to organize the softball tournament. He also played on team CPD for Light the Line.
“I think it’s important to support our first responders, so they can get a chance to decompress, have fun, and have the ability to support their charities and those of the fallen who need help.” Huff said, “I look forward to keeping this tradition alive next year, seeing it grow bigger for the community.”
Chicago firefighter Larry Dragozetich, representing team CFD and playing for Ignite the Spirit, said: “I’m happy to be here, for us to all play together and have a good time with our friends and families.”
Garfield Ridge resident Billy Dunn said: “This event was put together to have a fun Chicago Southwest Side pastime of playing softball for a great cause and for our CFD and CPD.”
The Ella French Memorial, located at Wentworth Park, honors the fallen officer. The Dana Strong Softball Tournament supports Anjelica and Cory’s youngest daughter, Blakey, 1, who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
“DanaStrong is a homegrown, worthwhile charity, and I’m grateful to them for including us in the day’s activities,” said Randazzo.
All players received commemorative shirts bearing the tournament logo, the Light the Line, and the Ignite the Spirit emblems, and symbols honoring 9/11 and the 250th anniversary of America.
