Local law enforcement and fire personnel serve our communities daily and help protect us from criminals, fire and other situations as they come up.

This past weekend at Todd Park, they helped Austin in a different way,

Members of the Austin police and fire departments took the field for a fundraising softball game Sunday that pitted the two departments against each other for fun.

The game was a fundraiser to purchase trees that will replace the ones blown down in Todd Park and the surrounding areas during last month’s tornado.

The fundraising effort will continue in July and August, with another event planned with Hy-Vee next month.

Our police and fire personnel went above and beyond the call of duty Saturday to help Austin and its citizens.

We appreciate their efforts and thank them for their continued service.