East Orange Public Safety Edges Newark in Thrilling 'Battle of the Badges'

Spirited game showcases unity between first responders and community

Apr. 7, 2026 at 4:03am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game between two teams of police officers and firefighters, their figures fragmented into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette, conveying the energy and community spirit of the event.A spirited game of 'Battle of the Badges' basketball showcases the unity and camaraderie between first responders and their community.East Orange Today

In a tightly contested 'Battle of the Badges' basketball game, East Orange Public Safety narrowly defeated Newark Public Safety 43-42, delivering fierce competition and a powerful message of community connection. The event, hosted in partnership with local government, brought together police officers, firefighters, students, and residents for an evening that blended rivalry with camaraderie.

Why it matters

Events like the 'Battle of the Badges' are part of a broader community policing effort aimed at building trust and visibility between first responders and the communities they serve, going beyond just emergency situations to show a more human side of public safety.

The details

From the opening tip-off to the final buzzer, the game remained close, with both teams trading baskets and momentum. In the end, East Orange secured a one-point victory, earning bragging rights in what players and organizers described as a 'friendly rivalry'. The packed gym at STEM Academy was filled with enthusiastic supporters from both cities, creating an electric atmosphere as families, students, and community members cheered on their respective teams.

  • The 'Battle of the Badges' game took place on March 30, 2026.
  • The event was hosted in partnership with Mayor Ted R. Green, the East Orange City Council, and the Department of Public Safety.

The players

Maurice Boyd

Public Safety Director for East Orange.

Dr. Vincent Stallings

Principal of STEM Academy, the host school for the event.

Damaris Febus

Sergeant with Newark Public Safety.

Shakiyla Williams

Detective with Newark Public Safety.

Yasmine Johnson

Lieutenant with East Orange Police.

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What they’re saying

“This is about more than just basketball. It brings morale up for the agency and gives the community a chance to see us in a more relaxed setting. We can talk with kids, engage with families, and show what public safety is really about.”

— Maurice Boyd, Public Safety Director

“It's extremely important that we engage with the community on a consistent basis. Our students get to see police officers and firefighters up close—not just in uniform, but as mentors, coaches, and role models.”

— Dr. Vincent Stallings, Principal, STEM Academy

“These guys have been playing together for years. There's a lot of hugging, a lot of respect. The rivalry is friendly—it's all love.”

— Damaris Febus, Sergeant, Newark Public Safety

“We're not just the uniform. We enjoy the same things as the community. Events like this show that we're human and help build trust.”

— Shakiyla Williams, Detective, Newark Public Safety

“The goal is to eventually have a law enforcement tournament. We're starting here, but we definitely want to expand and bring in more teams while continuing to build rapport—not just between agencies, but within our own departments as well.”

— Yasmine Johnson, Lieutenant, East Orange Police

What’s next

Organizers noted that the 'Battle of the Badges' is part of a larger initiative to strengthen relationships between public safety departments and the communities they serve, with plans for upcoming summer programs including park pop-ups, cookouts, and youth-focused activities.

The takeaway

This event showcases how community-oriented policing efforts can bring together first responders and residents, fostering mutual understanding, trust, and a shared sense of purpose beyond just emergency situations. By highlighting the human side of public safety, these types of events help bridge divides and strengthen the bonds between law enforcement and the people they serve.