Once the sun set in West Sacramento, the stage lights flickered on and the red boxing gloves came up. 

Saturday's Raley Field Rumble pitted firefighters, corrections officers and law enforcement officers from all over Northern California against one another, all in the name of Sacramento charities.

"We like to support different charities each year," said Isreal Montes Jr., creator of the event. "We keep it local in Sacramento.  This year we're supporting the Firefighters Burn Institute, Sheriff Toy Project and Sacramento Fallen Officers Resource Fund."

Correction officers Montes and Yvonne Vasquez, from California State Prison Sacramento, started the city's "Battle of the Badges" in 2003.  The inspiration for it struck Montes after he won a gold medal at the Western States Police and Fire Games that same year.

He never imagined the event would become as big as it has. More than 3,500 people attended this year.

"It started at the Boys and Girls Club in downtown Sacramento," Montes said.  "There were maybe a few hundred people and we had no budget.  Every year since it has grown more and more popular."

The event started with correctional officers competing and helping local charities, Montes said.  In 2004, firefighters got involved.  Fliers and word of mouth spread the word.  Last year, the event was held at Memorial Auditorium and drew more than 3,000 spectators.

"What's great about this thing is that it builds a lot of camaraderie among us," Montes said. "People have come up to me to say, 'Wow, what a great fight!'  Contenders are coming from seven different institutions, like CHP officers or Sacramento City firefighters, to compete."

Officer Debra Salvo, Folsom Police Department, was on hand to support friend and co-worker Officer James "Lights Out" Dorris, also from Folsom Police. 

"He spent a lot of time working out.  His biggest problem was not being able to snack," Salvo said of Dorris.  "He is a huge junk food eater. He can't wait to be able to eat again!"

Concession stands offered typical ballpark fare: hot dogs, burgers and alcoholic beverages.  Commemorative shirts and red boxing gloves were on sale for $15.

First time attendees Jeff and Mike Gerbers said they were proud to support the event.

"I'm a huge boxing fan," Jeff Gerbers said.

Mike Gerbers, who has lived in Sacramento 42 years, said he was eager to see the event grow locally.

"I love the sport, and I'm so glad to have come out," he said. "The more [boxing] events we have in Sacramento, the better!"

Roxanne Devera, a sophomore at Franklin High school, opened the event by singing the national anthem.  

A moment of silence followed a three-gun salute, and taps honored the men and women in uniform. 

"We can't forget the sacrifices made for us," said the announcer. "God bless this country."

Sixteen bouts were scheduled.  Youngsters from the Sacramento Boxing Group fought in the first three matches.  Parents could be heard shouting words of encouragement to the young contenders.

The first fight card event, between Raymond Cancel, who works at California State Prison Sacramento, and Ken Amodo, a corrections officer at Deuel Vocational Institution in Tracy, ignited the crowd.   Raley Field erupted in cheers and screams. 

Amodo delivered a hard left hook to Cancel's temple 30 seconds into the first round, and almost got a knockout.  Cancel swayed on his feet for a few seconds.

Then he fought back.  The crowd jumped up, shouting words of encouragement to both contenders.  

Amodo was named the winner after three rounds.  Both contenders received a standing ovation. 

The fights concluded at 10:30 p.m.

Montes said he hopes the next event will be even bigger.

"I need a year off," he laughed, "but I am proud of it, it was great.  It took six years to get to this point."

Montes then spoke of his dream.

"I am hoping in 2011, on the 10-year anniversary of 9/11, I can bring firefighters and policemen from New York to compete, but nothing is planned quite yet."

"I am just happy everyone had fun this year," Montes said. 

Charities benefiting from the event included The Firefighters Burn Institute, Sacramento Sheriff's Toy Project and the Sacramento Fallen Officers Resource Fund.

Photos courtesy of anthonybento.com.  Please see his Web site for additional photos from the event.