The Oxford detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police is once again set to face off against the Tillsonburg Fire and Rescue Services in the third annual Battle of the Badges charity hockey game. The event takes place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Tillsonburg Community Centre, where local officers and firefighters will compete for a trophy and community bragging rights.
The afternoon of community fun begins with a free public skate from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. The main hockey game between the two departments follows at 3 p.m. Attendees can gain entry to the game with a $5 donation at the door.
This year, all proceeds from the event will support the rehabilitation program at St. Joseph’s Health Care London and its Parkwood Institute. The facility is well-known for its work in helping veterans, military members, and eligible first responders who are managing operational stress injuries related to their service. The institute is part of a national network of clinics that serve these groups.
The Battle of the Badges has become a staple of the local calendar, with the competition running in Tillsonburg since 2024. In previous years, the departments raised funds for the Ronald McDonald House Charities and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
The Tillsonburg Fire and Rescue Services team, which is composed of 28 on-call volunteer firefighters and professional fire communicators, looks forward to another year of friendly competition against their police counterparts.
