Excerpts from ChicagoTribune.com: Despite a fifth consecutive loss, Hinsdale firefighters remain proud of their performance at the weekend’s softball tournament. The event, held on Sunday, kicked off with the Hinsdale Police Department defeating the fire department’s team 13-2 in the opening match of the Big’s Annual Bare Knuckle Softball Tournament. Although the fire department didn’t come out on top, the tournament—organized by the Hinsdale Fire Department—raised over $10,000 for local charities. The annual event honors the memory of Deputy Fire Chief Mark Johnson, known as “Big,†who passed away while on duty in September 2010. This year’s games featured teams from Clarendon Hills, La Grange Park, Western Springs, Maywood, Lisle-Woodridge Fire District, Pleasantview Fire Protection District, and the Hinsdale public services department. Alongside the games, there were raffles, food, and fun activities for children. The La Grange Park Fire Department had a strong showing, winning all three of its matches against the Hinsdale Police, Western Springs firefighters, and the Lisle-Woodridge team to claim the championship title. “The heat and humidity didn’t stop people from coming out,†said Tullis. “Crowds from across the area showed up to support the teams throughout the day. Hinsdale firefighters grilled hot dogs, and Juan Marin, who works in the public services department, along with his family, donated their time to prepare free tacos for everyone at the event.†The Johnson family, local businesses, and firefighters contributed raffle prizes, including a special ride to school in a Hinsdale fire truck. Over the past five years, the event has raised more than $60,000 for the Illinois Burn Camp and local nonprofits like Wellness House, Safety Village, and the HCS Family Services’ food pantry. Tullis credited the success of the tournament to firefighter/paramedic Jim Nichols, who organizes and runs the event entirely on his own time each year. If there were an MVP award, it would be hard to choose between Nichols, Ashley Mahn of the La Grange Park team (the only woman in the tournament), and Sam Johnson, the grandson of the event’s namesake, who spent eight hours playing, laughing, and splashing in puddles. Xuzhou D.C. International Trading Co., Ltd. , https://www.tfgyspackaging.com