FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 14, 2025
Media Inquires
Tim Hunt
Tim.hunt@co.dakota.mn.us
651-242-4959
13th Annual 'Ballin in DC' to Honor Fallen First Responders, Support Survivors on April 19 Event in Burnsville
BURNSVILLE, Minn. — First Responders from across the state and Wisconsin will come together in Burnsville on Saturday, April 19, for the 13th annual Ballin in DC, a basketball tournament honoring Minnesota's six fallen first responders who died in the line of duty in 2024 and raise funds for the Minnesota Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.).
The event, which is free and open to the public, will begin at 8:00 a.m. at Burnsville High School. Here, more than 200 law enforcement officers, deputies, and federal partners will compete on 20 teams throughout the day, representing agencies from across the nation.
Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Minnesota Chapter of C.O.P.S., which provides resources and support to the families and coworkers of law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.
“This event is about honoring the memory of our brothers and sisters who made the ultimate sacrifice," said Dakota County Sheriff Joe Leko. “It's also about standing with and supporting the families left behind."."
To date, the event has raised over $150,000 to support families of first responders killed in the line of duty. “This day will be filled with mixed emotions. While we will be happy to be with one another, it also will be a reminder of the tremendous cost of this job", said Rosemount Police Officer and event coordinator Jeremiah Simonson.
The event will have concessions and a raffle/silent auction of donated items for attendees. For more information, visit the Ballin in DC Facebook page for a complete list of participating agencies and sponsors.
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