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Cops play ball to help student
Ledger photo by TARA JENNINGS The Gaffney Police Department registered its first Pig Bowl victory over the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office on Saturday by a score of 19-12. Gaffney Police Officer Brian Blanton (50) is pictured here about to score between defenders Cherokee County Probate Judge Josh Queen (82) and S.C. Highway Patrolman Bo Caughman. The Pig Bowl was a success Saturday. Not only were funds raised for a Limestone College student who has Hodgkins' lymphoma cancer, but the rivalry between the Gaffney Police Department and Cherokee County Sheriff's Department deputies was once again renewed on the field.
Police raised $450 Saturday to help Delmar Patterson in addition to the approximately $2,000 that has already been raised, said Gaffney Police Officer Brian Blanton, who helped organize the event. A raffle for a Carolina Panthers autographed football is being held to raise more money.
"I'm humbled," Patterson said. "I had fun watching the game. I want to thank them for what they did and I'm looking forward to playing out there... for the city."
Patterson said he has three more chemotherapy treatments. He said doctors think the treatments are working and believe the cancer cells are gone. The 21-year-old criminal justice major from Kershaw has also expressed interest in working for the Gaffney Police Department.
City police may need the help on the football field. This is the first time in the history of the annual law enforcement flag football game that Gaffney police have triumphed. The final score was 19-12.
Police officers from the Gaffney Police Department, Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, Cherokee County Detention Center and the S.C. Highway Patrol participated in the game at Gaffney Middle School. Probate Judge Josh Queen and city building inspector Tony Lavender also made appearances.
Raffle tickets can be purchased from police officers or at area police departments.
Persons who wish to make a donation can contact Blanton at the city police department at (864) 489-8115. Checks should be payable to "Pig Bowl."
