Jake Powers usually takes to the field as a player during the annual Boots vs. Badges slow-pitch softball tournament to help other safety personnel benefit local organizations, but this year, the Burlington firefighter paramedic will throw out the first pitch.
Powers, of West Burlington, was diagnosed in April with acute myeloid leukemia. He since has undergone treatment and currently is unable to work.
Organizer Cale Heitmeier, who, like Powers, is a firefighter paramedic for the Burlington Fire Department, said fellow first responders have decided that money raised from the Boots vs. Badges "Battle of the Counties" tournament on Saturday will go toward medical and household expenses Powers and his wife, Kayla, are facing due to his illness. The couple has two children, Wyatt and Olivia.