James Byun, far right, Kent Grocery Outlet owner and Battle of the Badge co-organizer, encourages officers at the June 30 competition at the Federal Way Grocery Outlet. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent Police

James Byun, far right, Kent Grocery Outlet owner and Battle of the Badge co-organizer, encourages officers at the June 30 competition at the Federal Way Grocery Outlet. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent Police

Battle of the Badges raises money for Kent, Federal Way food banks

Police officers from each city and Puget Sound Fire compete in grocery story showdown

A Battle of the Badges food competition among Kent Police, Federal Way Police and Puget Sound Fire raised $3,022 to be split between food banks in both cities.

The participants from the three agencies showed up at 7 a.m. July 1 at the Grocery Outlet, 32945 Pacific Highway S., in Federal Way to see how many items they could place in carts in two minutes.

“We want to thank Federal Way PD and Puget Sound Fire for joining us at the Grocery Outlet in Federal Way for our 5th Battle of the Badges,” according to a Kent Police statement.

Kent Police competed against Auburn Police in October 2021 at the Auburn Grocery Outlet. Kent Police previously competed against Puget Sound Fire at the Kent location.

James Byun, owner of the Kent Grocery Outlet, helped organized the event at the Federal Way location.

July is Grocery Outlet’s “Independence from Hunger’” month where they focus on giving to their communities to help solve food insecurity.

“We appreciate their willingness to host these events, donate the proceeds and let us help them raise awareness about the needs of the food banks that serve our neighborhoods,” according to Kent Police.

Kent Police said another Battle of the Badges will return in a few months.


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Members of Puget Sound Fire, Kent Police and Federal Way Police gather June 30 for a Battle of the Badge food fundraiser at Grocery Outlet in Federal Way. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent Police

Members of Puget Sound Fire, Kent Police and Federal Way Police gather June 30 for a Battle of the Badge food fundraiser at Grocery Outlet in Federal Way. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent Police

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