The fourth annual First Responders’ Softball Tournament tournament raised over $12,000 Oct. 21 for They Got Your 6 Foundation, through business and community sponsorships, participatory entry fees, donations and concessions. It was sponsored by the Wood County District Attorney’s Office and UT Health East Texas.

They Got Your 6 is a Wood County non-profit foundation that supports veterans and first responders and their families with needs they may have including counseling, suicide prevention, basic needs and other community services.  

This year’s tournament attracted 148 players with ten teams from throughout the first responder community.

Teams included UT Health, Mineola Fire Department, Christus EMS, Wood County Sheriff’s Office, Mineola Police Department, Quitman Fire Department, Alba Fire Department, Hawkins Fire Department, Wood County veterans and Wood County Electric Co-op.

“This year’s tournament was quite an achievement,” said District Attorney Angela Albers. “Not only did we add another team, but we raised a great sum of money that will go a long way to benefit the brave men and women who put their lives on the line for us each and every day.

“Our first responders and military responders serve our great country and deserve the support and recognition of our citizens. It was my honor to once again organize a very successful tournament.”

Mineola Police Department took home the first-place trophy this year. Wood County Electric Co-op took second place.

The tournament began as a dream of Albers’ to raise community awareness about the devastating effects of family violence while at the same time honoring first responders. 

“The plague of domestic violence impacts all facets of society,” she said. “Sadly, it knows no boundaries. Children raised in violent homes become violent adults. It is my desire to educate the community about domestic violence and how we can do our part to end it.”