It's the "finest" vs. the "bravest": North Branford Police and Fire Departments announce they will be sending teams to do "battle" during a charity softball event pitting the town's police against its fireman to benefit Food Pantry of North Branford (FPNB).

The event, dubbed the "Battle of the Badges," involves a round-robin style softball challenge at Totoket Valley Park on Forest Road (Route 22, next to police headquarters). The battle will be held on Sun. Oct. 4  from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is a donation of canned or boxed food.

Fire Chief William Seward III put out word of the "battle" this week, saying the departments are challenging the public to fill both a North Branford Police Department patrol car and a North Branford Fire Department ambulance with non-perishable food donations on the day of the event.

Donations are always welcome at FPNB, which officially opened its doors June 6 at 1382 Middletown Ave. (rear entrance, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church) to assist any North Branford resident in need. As of Aug. 6, the pantry was assisting 63 families, or approximately 170 people, on a weekly basis. When it opened, the pantry estimated it would begin with about 30 families in need of assistance.

Food donations from individuals, groups and organizations are always welcome and can be donated during operating hours on Wednesday 4 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Friday 10:30 - 1 p.m. or Saturday 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

For more information on the Oct. 4 event, contact Officer Ron Ferruci at ferrucci@nbpolicect.org or Capt. Rich Lennon at rgl429@yahoo.com For more information on FPNB, find The Food Pantry of North Branford on Facebook. To make a tax-deductible donation, mail checks to Food Pantry of North Branford, P.O. Box 403, North Branford CT 06471.