"Turkey Shootout," Monroe, Police Officers, Firefighters - KNOE 8 News; KNOE-TV; KNOE.com |

MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - From protecting the people of Monroe to protecting the rim; Monroe's first responders took to the court in a competitive basketball game Thursday.

The Monroe Police Officers and firefighters put down their guns and hoses to lace up their shoes for a competitive game of basketball.

And the fire department was looking for revenge.

Monroe Police officer, Rodrick Banks says, "it's for fun, but when we start playing it's us against them and today the police department will be putting out a fire."

Monroe Fire Captain, Roland Hamiliton says, "it also gives us an opportunity to beat up on the police without going to jail."

While it gets very competitive out on the court, it's all for a good cause.

Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo says, "2,000 turkeys over nine years, and so not only will we have an opportunity for individuals to have a good thanksgiving but also different groups and organizations and I think that's what it's all about."

The turkeys are provided to families and groups in need through the Monroe Housing Authority and local churches.

The police officers and firefighters will get to see all of their hard work pay off when the less fortunate pick up their thanksgiving meal.

Mayor Mayo says, "certainly they put their lives on the line each and every day so this is an opportunity for them to relax and have a good game of basketball for a good cause."

He says it's also a good way to get members of the community involved, and to let people know there is a need in our area.

Mayo says, "ask other people to give back as well because certainly God has been very very good to all of us and we need to make sure we take time out to give thanks for his blessings."

At the end of the game the final score 40 to 31.

The fire department finally got the revenge it wanted, and won bragging rights for a year.

While the firefighters won, they say those less fortunate are the real winners here.