Boise police and firefighters compete in Bigs N' Blue tournament

MERIDIAN -- They typically work together to help keep the community safe, but Saturday, Treasure Valley police officers and fire fighters became fierce competitors.

Their skills were put to work on the basketball court today as part of the Bigs N' Blue basketball tournament.

Money is raised through entry fees and it all goes to help the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program in the area.

"I know they are in need, we deal with boys and girls all the time who are in need, and I figure it was a noble cause and I liked the idea of doing it," said Ryan Thueson with the Boise Police Department.

Ten teams competed for the championship trophy and, of course, bragging rights. They had their eye on the real prize though.

"From all the funds raised from this, we put back into our youth programs, our youth substance abuse, our youth alcohol prevention, drug prevention that we do,” said Officer Jermaine Galloway with Boise Police. “All the money that we get is from donations or fundraisers."

The money helps youth in both Canyon and Ada Counties.