Basketball battle: Police officers raise money for Kidz Power Pacs and Safe Haven Child Advocacy Center

Sgt. Ben Williams dribbles down the court, during the basketball fundraiser between the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the West Virginia State Police. Toni Milbourne
CHARLES TOWN – Jefferson High School was the location for a basketball battle between the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the West Virginia State Police. The two departments met on the court to raise funds for Kidz Power Pacs and Safe Haven Child Advocacy Center.
Throughout the game, the State Police officers kept the lead although in the final quarter, the deputies nearly came back, making the game a close one, at least for a while. The State Police pulled ahead to defeat Jefferson’s officers with a score of 42-33.
According to Sgt. Robert Sell, the game was competitive as both police forces hoped to take home a win.
But, more importantly, Sell said, was the support given by the community. Admission to the event cost attendees canned food donations or $2 per person.
“We were very humbled by the support of the community, both in terms of monetary and food donations,” Sell said. “The donations were above our expectations and we can’t thank the community enough for helping us support two great organizations in the area that affect and help kids.”

Throughout the game, the State Police officers kept the lead although in the final quarter, the deputies nearly came back, making the game a close one. Toni Milbourne
Safe Haven, a Child Advocacy Center, is a child-focused program encouraging the multi-disciplinary team approach to the investigation and treatment of child abuse, strengthening and coordinating community response to child abuse. The multi-disciplinary team includes prosecutors and law enforcement, child protective service workers, mental and medical health and victim advocates.
Kidz Power Pacs is a ministry that supplies meals over weekends, holiday breaks and during the summer for school-aged children in Berkeley and Jefferson counties. According to their website, they serve, on average, more than 900 children between the two counties.
Jefferson High Resource Officer Ben Williams expressed congratulations to the State Police team after the game.
“This was a great event,” Williams said. “We are very appreciative of our community.”
Prior to the start of the game, the Jefferson High School JROTC posted the Colors and the Star-Spangled Banner was sung by student Kiya Dagg.
- Throughout the game, the State Police officers kept the lead although in the final quarter, the deputies nearly came back, making the game a close one. Toni Milbourne