WM fire, police departments engage in some March Madness

Local first responders square off with school teams on the court

By DON WILBURN

donaldfwilburn@gmail.com

The crowd was electric, the energy was high and the competition was fierce at the 2025 WMPD March Madness Tournament. The annual showdown brought together local law enforcement, firefighters and student athletes for a day of high intensity hoops, but only one team could cut down the nets.

The West Memphis Fire Department brought the heat, literally, on the court taking down the Crittenden County Sheriff’s Department with a dominant 38-21 victory. Led by Coach Chief Stokes, the fire fighters played with fire in their eyes and left no doubt who ran the court. Firefighter King was nearly unstoppable, torching the competition with 15 points. The team’s chemistry, hustle and grit were on full display, proving once again that teamwork is key; both on and off the court.

Meanwhile, the West Memphis Police Department finally got their redemption after back-to-back losses in previous years. Facing off against Team AWM, a squad made up of the best players from the Academies of West Memphis, WMPD wasn’t about to let history repeat itself yet again.. Led by a standout performance from

See TEAMWORK, page A3

The West Memphis Fire Department brought the heat on the court taking down the Crittenden County Sheriff’s Department with a 38-21 victory.

Photo by WMFD TEAMWORK

From page A1

Officer Odum, the officers took control and secured the long-awaited victory over the students.

Team AWM brought serious talent to the hardwood, with Team Messer featuring Malik Cummings, Ashtin Vaughns, Davon Tucker, Dallan Harris, and Jaylan Barnes and Team Hybeck, represented by Caleb Ingram, Drew Jenkins, Jeremiah Robinson, and Da’Keyvun Glenn. The students showed their skills, but in the end, WMPD had too lock up any dreams of a three-peat from the high school athletes.

The tournament wasn’t just about basketball, though. The battle on the court was matched by a spirited cheerleading showdown between Wonder Junior High and West Junior High pproving that the excitement wasn’t limited to just the scoreboard.

At the end of the day, the WMPD March Madness Tournament wasn’t just about wins and losses; it was about community,, camaraderie and a little friendly competition. Whether on the court, on the sidelines or in the stands, everyone played a part in making the event a slam dunk.