Members of the Ludowici/Long County Fire Department and the Long County Sheriff’s Office raised more than $2,000 last Saturday for the Long County Meals on Wheels program by playing each other in a charity basketball game at Long County Middle School.
Sheriff Craig Nobles and Chief Richard Truman started the festivities by welcoming all of the players and spectators. Following the introduction, Nobles and Truman had a 30-second shoot-off from the free-throw line to determine which team would get the ball first. Nobles narrowly won the shoot-off, 3-2.
In the first period, the lawmen took an 11-7 lead. But in the second period, the firefighters stormed back to take a 22-18 lead at halftime.  
The deputies came back in the third period, holding a 26-25 lead going into the final period.  
LCSO officers came out on fire in the fourth quarter, and the firefighters had no answers. After going on an 18-0 run to begin the period, the sheriff’s office  won, 49-27. The two teams played a second game, with the LCSO repeating, 42-29.
The evening also featured a dance demonstration by members of Angelique’s School of Performing Arts in Jesup. Many spectators received door prizes.
Both Nobles and Truman said that they appreciated all who helped with the event, and gave special thanks to Pop’s Pizza, Walmart, Debbie’s Cakes, Chili’s, Kadee’s Korner and the Long County Board of Education.
In addition to the money raised, a canned-goods drive collected items for the food pantry at the Long County Senior Citizen’s Center.
“The turnout was great tonight, and the community really came out to support us,” Nobles said. “I want to thank all of those who helped and especially all of the sponsors.”
“Everyone really did their part to help support the Meals on Wheels program,” Truman said. “Tonight was a lot of fun, and who won or lost the game really didn’t matter, as long as Long County won.”