Battle of the Badges III to honor late dispatcher Shannon Thonus at Skylands Stadium
AUGUSTA, N.J. (Sussex County) — The Sussex County Miners, in partnership with multiple law enforcement agencies, will host Battle of the Badges III on Friday, Aug. 15, at Skylands Stadium in tribute to Shannon Thonus, a beloved public safety dispatcher who died last weekend following a battle with stage 4 cancer.
Thonus, 31, served as a Supervisory Public Safety Dispatcher with the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office and was widely respected across the region for her poise, professionalism, and leadership. Known by her radio number “232,” she coordinated emergency responses for nearly a decade, earning credit for at least 10 life-saving CPR calls. She began her career with the Newton Police Department before joining the county’s 911 Communication Center in 2016.
The evening of remembrance was originally intended to raise funds for Thonus’ cancer treatment. Following her passing, proceeds from the event will now support the future of her two young daughters, ages 1 and 4. Thonus is survived by her husband, Jim Thonus, a New Jersey State Trooper and U.S. Marine.
“Shannon was the steady voice in the dark for so many in our community—someone who lived her life helping others,” said Sussex County Miners General Manager Vincent Sangemino. “This night was meant to support her battle. Now it’s a call to help the family she left behind.”
The event, a collaboration between the Sussex County Miners, the New Jersey State Police, Pennsylvania State Police, the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, and the Dorso Community Foundation, features a full slate of activities beginning at 3:30 p.m. with a Touch-a-Truck event for families. A charity softball game between the NJSP and PSP will take place at 4 p.m., followed by pregame ceremonies and a 7:05 p.m. Miners game against the Down East Bird Dawgs.
Community members can support the Thonus family by:
- Attending the event — $5 from every ticket sold benefits the family.
- Participating in silent auctions for exclusive items.
- Donating at drop boxes placed throughout the stadium.
Now in its third year, Battle of the Badges has become a cornerstone of the Miners’ Community First initiative, uniting law enforcement and the public to raise funds for those in need.
“Shannon’s legacy of service will be remembered through this night of unity, generosity, and gratitude,” Sangemino said. “No hero’s family should ever stand alone.”
Tickets for Battle of the Badges III are available at scminers.com.
