Baxter Springs hosts 7th annual Back the Badge event

BAXTER SPRINGS, Kan. — Baxter Springs community members came together today to raise money for local reserves through an annual event.

The 7th annual Back the Badge event was held in the American Bank parking lot in Baxter Springs.

It's a collaboration between the Baxter Springs Police Department reserve officers and Cherokee County Sheriff's Department reserve deputies.

Donations of any amount were raised through 2024 Back the Badge shirts, pulled pork sandwiches, chips, and drinks.

This year also included a raffle for a gun.

All proceeds go toward equipment and needs for reserve officers and deputies.

This includes uniforms, duty belts, flashlights, radios, and other specialized needs.

"Our community has always been great to support us, and we have full confidence in our community to come out and help us raise money for that desperately needed equipment. And they've always taken good care of us," said Cmdr. Cory Moates, Cherokee Co. Sheriff's Reserve Unit.

"It really means a lot to us seeing the community coming out like this and showing their support. You know, as reserve officers for county and for Baxter both, you know, we're volunteers. We do this for free on our side. Um, it's great to see the community be able to support both sides of it," said Lt. Trent Faulkner, Baxter Springs PD reserve officers.

Lieutenant Faulkner says uniforms for one officer range around three thousand dollars.

Each year, they also make around 1,300 pulled pork sandwiches, but the amount raised can vary on how much people want to donate.