During the second annual “Guns and Hoses” go-kart races at Atlanta Motorsports Park, local deputies dominated in the top three podium spots, beating out past champions, the firefighters and paramedics.

This past Tuesday’s races marked the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office’s and Fire and Emergency Services’ second time competing against each other after races and a build-a-bed challenge were held at the racetrack in 2019. 

AMP donated the races as a way to thank all of the first responders. CEO Jeremy Porter called the go-karts track the “most terrain-variable go-karts track in the world.”

Kyle Bailey placed first, with Matthew Webb placing second and Matthew Blackstock coming in at third. “We knew we were going to take the trophy,” Blackstock said, smiling after the competition. 

Fire Chief and EMA director Danny Thompson described the event as an opportunity for the men and women from both sides of public safety to continue the friendly banter that’s become part of their cultures. 

“It (racing) boosts morale with the men and women, and you get a little friendly competition,” Thompson said.“There’s always been some banter between firefighters and police officers. You’re never going to lose that…it’s just fun to be able to do this.”