Boston- Suffolk County Sheriff Andrea J. Cabral was joined by officers and civilian staff of the Sheriff’s Department at the First Annual Dennis P. Morelli Softball Tournament in August. The event was a huge success, bringing together sixteen softball teams from various Massachusetts agencies and raising money for a scholarship fund.

Captain Dennis "The Duke" Morelli began his career at the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department in 1992. He rose through the ranks, making an impression on superiors and peers alike. He passed away in September of 2005, leaving behind memories of his days playing softball in leagues from East Boston, where he grew up, to Saugus, Revere, and the North Shore.

The tournament began at 8 AM with the first pitch thrown by Donna Morelli, Captain Morelli’s wife. Play followed throughout the day, matching five Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department teams with teams from the Boston Police, Braintree Police, Malden Police, and Massachusetts State Police, as well as the Essex County Sheriff’s Department, US Customs, and Boston EMS. A team made up of officers from several law enforcement agencies, the Boston Lawmen, and a team of civilians, the Heavy Hitters, also played.

Members of the Morelli family sold raffle tickets for gift certificates, a ten–speed bicycle, and signed Red Sox gear and photos. According to Suffolk County Officer William Lugo, who helped the Morelli family organize the event with Suffolk County Lieutenant Bill Monroe, Captain Michael Colwell, Corporal Tom Derosa, and Saugus Police Officer and brother–in–law of Captain Morelli Tim Fawcett, over $5,000 was raised by the raffles. The money will be donated to a scholarship fund in Captain Morelli’s name.

The tournament ended with an award ceremony for the winning teams. The Boston Lawmen took first place, followed by the Malden Police, the State Police, and the Saugus Police.

"All teams showed a lot of heart and hustle, but the abundant good sportsmanship and camaraderie really marked the day," said Sheriff Cabral. "It was just the way Dennis would have wanted it."

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