The local community gathered earlier this month to honor incredible first responders who lost their lives fighting for our safety.

The sixth annual Wade Parker Weekend Co-Ed Softball Tournament took place over Father’s Day weekend on June 16 and 17. The fun event honoured the 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots who perished while fighting the Yarnell Hill Fire in June 2013.

The tournament is played in honor of the fallen firefighters, and all proceeds from the event go to the Wade Parker Memorial Foundation and its scholarship fund. Parker graduated from Chino Valley High School and was clearly dedicated to his community, family, friends and neighbors.

The play kicked off bright and early at 8 am as teams hit, ran and slid their way to home plate, all for a good cause. With another successful year under wraps, you can expect the tradition to continue next year, too!