Philadelphia Police, Firefighters Renew Weight-Loss Competition For 25th Year
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Today was the kickoff to the 25th annual "Battle of The Badges" that pits Philadelphia police officers against firefighters to see which service can lose the most weight in 13 weeks.
The competition starts Sunday. Each team has 12 wins under its belt (so to speak), so this year's competition may be especially intense.
"Hopefully we're gonna show you the way," fire commissioner Lloyd Ayers said to police commissioner Charles Ramsey at today's kickoff. "I know it's been four years (since the police department won), so maybe it is time for the police department. We just don't think so!"
Tongue in cheek, police commissioner Charles Ramsey revealed what he hopes will be his winning strategy:
"I am committed to dropping off donuts every day to firehouses throughout the city."
The weight-loss rivalry will generate a $10,000 donation from Weight Watchers to the Hero Thrill Show Scholarship Fund in the name of the winning department. The fund goes to educate the children of those lost in the line of duty.
Reported by Michelle Durham, KYW Newsradio 1060.
