Grinches, lightsabers and Buddy the Elf: 3rd Annual Battle of the Badges goes all out

Check out photos from the event.

By Bailey Josie • December 12, 2023 3:42 pm

Traffic backed up on Exit 4 of northbound I-405 and westbound SR-169 last Friday night as countless families tried to squeeze into the 3rd Annual Battle of the Badges event at the Renton Community Center. For those lucky enough to get there early enough on Dec. 8, the drive-thru holiday light event was a delight. Different law enforcement and first responder organizations and departments throughout the area showed off their Christmas and holiday-themed illuminations, from Star Wars to Pirates of the Caribbean to How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Guests were encouraged to vote for the best displays, with the categories of:

• First Place – Big Trophy: where folks voted for their overall favorite display. Awarded to South Correctional Entity for “A Star Wars Christmas”

• Clark Griswold Award: Recognizes the agency that takes holiday decorating to the extreme. Awarded to Issaquah Police Department for “Abominable Snowman”

• Festive Innovation Award: Recognizes the most innovative and unique holiday light display. Awarded to Port of Seattle Fire Department for “Return of the Grinch”

• Holiday Spirit Award: Awarded to Newcastle Police Department for “Buddy the Elf”