Oregon Police and Firefighters Face Off for Recovery

When Central Point Police Chief Scott Logue and Medford Police Chief Trevor Arnold step onto the softball field this Saturday, they'll be playing for something far bigger than bragging rights.

The two chiefs will coach opposing teams of police and firefighters in the "Guns and Hoses" softball game, the signature event of the Strong and Courageous Recovery Festival. The daylong celebration at Lithia & Driveway Fields in Medford connects community members with addiction recovery resources while highlighting real success stories from the ROC Recovery Center.

The playful rivalry between the chiefs is all in good fun. Logue joked that his department's trophy shelf is "getting pretty full," while Arnold, who became Medford's chief in May, promised "New chief, new results!"

Behind the smiles lies genuine commitment. Both chiefs have supported the annual tournament for over a decade, recognizing how vital recovery resources are to their communities.

The festival runs from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, featuring 3K and 5K runs at 10 a.m. and the softball game at 1:30 p.m. Families can enjoy face painting, a dunk tank, vendors, and a resource fair connecting attendees with local addiction support services.

The event's growth tells its own story of community support. What started as a small gathering with just a few teams in 2013 has expanded to 12 teams this year.

Doug Gould, executive director of the ROC Recovery Center, knows firsthand the power of recovery. After overcoming his own struggle with alcohol over a decade ago, he launched the ROC in 2018 with support from Grace Point Fellowship.

The center offers everything from resource referrals to peer counseling, all aimed at helping people find their path to recovery. Last fall, the ROC expanded operations into a larger space at 305 S. Fir St. in downtown Medford, allowing them to serve even more people.

The Ripple Effect

Events like this change how communities view addiction and recovery. When first responders step up to support people in recovery, it sends a powerful message that addiction is a health issue, not a moral failing.

The festival creates a welcoming space where people struggling with addiction can discover resources without judgment. Families can connect with support services while enjoying activities together, breaking down the isolation that often surrounds addiction.

Arnold emphasized that the festival gives law enforcement a chance to show up for the recovery community in a positive way. For many attendees, seeing officers and firefighters celebrate recovery alongside them builds trust and opens doors to seeking help.

This Saturday's game will determine which team takes home the trophy, but everyone who discovers a path to recovery wins.