The guardians of the gates paid tribute to the guardians of public safety with a First Responders Night on Saturday, July 20. 

The Wareham and Onset fire departments, the Wareham Police Department, Wareham EMS and more took to the field with the Wareham Gatemen, mingling with the children in attendance, enjoying a complimentary meal and sharing in the electric atmosphere of high-level baseball. 

Gatemen President Glen Hannington said the event furthers the spirit of community connection that’s been a part of the team’s DNA since the era of its “matriarch and patriarch,” Patty and John Wild. 

“They’ve always emphasized community first,” Hannington said. He added that, while it’s nice to have success on the ballfield, the team’s efforts are “equally as important off the field.”

The evening was sponsored by Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruz, who paid for meals for first responders and made a donation to the Gatemen. 

It was a “great time last night at the Wareham Gatemen game,” Cruz said. “Our office was proud to help sponsor the second annual First Responders Night.”

“It was a very nice night,” said Hannington. “The children were having a ball there.”