On Wednesday, the Selma Fire Department and Selma Police Department came together for toys for tots. The two sides played a charity basketball game at Meadowview Christian School and if a box near the entrance was any indication, dozens of toys were collected. Many also made donations.

Several people in the community came out to watch the game, support the charitable efforts and to cheer on those that patrol our streets. The game was close the entire way and the police department even won this time, giving it bragging rights for the first time in many, many years.

More importantly, the game gave people in the community a chance to meet our police officers and fire fighters and to see them in a normal environment. It gave children a chance to see first responders up close and to see that they aren’t scary.

People need to feel comfortable calling the police or fire department and the only way for that to happen is for both sides to get to know each other. Our police officers and fire fighters are better at their jobs when they are involved in the community and get to know the people that make Selma who it is.

And our streets are safer when people feel comfortable flagging down an officer or calling the police with information about a crime.

We want to thank the fire department and police department for raising money for the Selma PAL Center. We’re sure the children at the PAL Center, who will receive their Christmas gifts today, are very appreciative.