By China Cassidy Following the executive stay-at-home order by Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, most establishments, operations and scheduled events came to a halt, including any kind of fundraising for sports. Holbrook resident Mark Saxton Sr., who has invested many years in youth sports in Holbrook recognized that because of the shutdown, there may be a lack of funds for the upcoming Holbrook Little League season and wanted to help them out. Holbrook Police Department (HPD), Holbrook Volunteer Fire Department (HVFD) and Holbrook Emergency Medical Services (EMS) also jumped on board to create the first annual Cuffs vs. Hose Charity Softball Event, which will take place beginning at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7. Saxton’s son, police officer Mark Saxton Jr. explained that it was his father who initially wanted to help the league because he recognized the financial impact the pandemic has taken on most families and organizations and wanted to help out. “This was him; he just really missed this kind of stuff. With COVID, they really couldn’t raise money or play so we want to help them out to start this next season. We are trying to help improve the financial status with COVID-19 hitting and having a lock down for some time.” Leading up to the big game, which will be a best two out of three between HPD and HFVD, there will be raffles and pay-to-play games. As well as various demonstrations done by each department. Demonstrations will take place in the far left side of the softball field parking lot at Hunt Park behind the Holbrook Public Library. Demonstrations will each be roughly 15 to 20 minutes and will take place between noon and 6 p.m. HPD officer Matthew Theobold and his canine Kilo will both be there to demonstrate how a drug search is done with the canine. There will also be a dog bite demonstration by the pair. Officer Saxton explained, “Someone is going to put on the bite suit and it’s going to show the discipline of the dog and just the commands, (and) the training that both the officer and the dog had to go through.” HVFD will demonstrate how they would use the jaws of life, a hydraulic tool used in emergency situations to extract collision victims from vehicles or small spaces. HVFD will also be creating a fire scenario that will include them starting a live fire using a prop and demonstrating how it is extinguished. Holbrook EMS will also be there to demonstrate how they respond to a collision and what measures they take in such scenarios. Officer Saxton said that aside from hosting the event to raise money, it is an opportunity for families to get out and enjoy company, games and learn a few things about the duties of Holbrook’s public safety workers. “It’s a family event and we want the kids to come out and have a good time and maybe learn a few things.” expressed Officer Saxton. The event will begin at 12 noon with games and raffles, as well as access to the concessions. Officer Saxton said that to ensure best practices for the safety of attendees, there will be a sanitation station people can access throughout the day with hand sanitizer, masks and wipes. Prices for games and use of the two bounce houses have not yet been established. Because of COVID-19, Officer Saxton said that the entry was limited to the two teams but that they hope to continue this event and expand the number of teams for future events. For those who want to make a cash or prize donation for the event, Officer Saxton can be reached at (928) 241-0639 or Mark Saxton Sr. at (928) 241-2000.
