SPANISH FORT, Ala. — Members of Spanish Fort Fire-Rescue swung for the fences Saturday as they joined eight other softball teams in the inaugural Ladders for L.O.V.E. Tournament of Hoses.

Fire departments from across the area—including Daphne, Fairhope, Foley, Bay Minette, Mobile, Saraland, Monrovia and Poarch Creek—took part in the fundraiser at Daphne’s Al Trione Sports Complex with proceeds benefiting the Weeks Bay Foundation.

Ladders for L.O.V.E. was created by Joey Holasz, a battalion chief with the Daphne Fire Department, and his wife, Christy, to provide outreach to people affected by “emergencies and unforeseen events.”

With L.O.V.E. standing for “Lending Outreach to Victims of Emergencies,” Holasz said the idea was borne of a desire to help with the cleanup and recovery efforts associated with oil spill threatening Alabama’s coastlines.

“If we climb the ladder together, we can rise above anything,” Holasz said, repeating the organization’s mantra, and expressing hope that firefighters from across the state will see the benefits of participating.

The Mobile team took top honors, Holasz said, with Daphne placing second and a joint team of Foley and Orange Beach securing third place.

Of course, the oil spill was only the lightning rod.

Holasz is hopeful once word of the organization spreads, Ladders for L.O.V.E. will gain enough traction to focus year-round on being proactive in the communities served by local fire departments, especially in addressing the needs of children affected by unexpected events.

“Right now, we’re just trying to figure everything out and learning as we go, but we’re hoping each year to host a tournament and pick a cause to support.

“It’s a good way to take our minds off everyday business and relieve some stress but serve a good purpose at the same time,” he said.

Plans are already in the works for next year’s tournament, which Holasz hopes to not only open up to other southeastern states but to other members of the public safety community, such as police departments and emergency management personnel.