Dexter Area Fire Department Fire Chief Doug Armstrong received a big honor during the Firefighter/Police Officer Appreciation Day at Comerica Park.

He got to co-throw out the first pitch before the Detroit Tigers game on July 10.

“It was an honor and an exhilarating experience to be on the field just before the game started,” Armstrong told the Sun Times News.

Given the significant rainfall Tuesday night and during the day Wednesday, he said he was not sure the game would proceed. He said it’s a very scripted pre-game show. They had to submit photos via email and were issued photo id badges.  The badges were scanned to grant entry onto the field. 

The National Anthem was performed by a Grand Rapids firefighter at 6:27 p.m. and Armstrong walked out to the mound immediately follow the completion of the anthem.

A Police Chief from Lansing and Armstrong were introduced and then they both threw their pitches to separate players who were at home plate. 

“It wasn’t my best pitch, but it did cross home plate,” Armstrong said. 

The players autographed the baseballs and they took a photo with them. 

“The Tigers played well and beat the Cleveland Guardians,” Armstrong said. “It was a great evening and a special experience.”