SOFTBALL BENEFIT SET FOR OFFICER'S WIDOW.

Byline: Kermit Pattison Daily News Staff Writer

Always a tight team, law enforcement officers and firefighters will step up to bat for the family of a slain Simi Valley police officer.

Teams from as far away as Nevada and Arizona are expected to come to Simi Valley in June for a two-day softball tournament to benefit the widow and son of Officer Michael Clark, who was killed in the line of duty last year.

``I want everybody there to have a blast,'' said Mike Wolfe, a Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy and Simi Valley resident who is organizing the tournament. ``We'll have 400 ballplayers there and I hope they enjoy themselves. If we raise a ton of money, that's even better. That's just icing on the cake.''

Wolfe said he hoped to raise $3,000 to $5,000 for Clark's widow, Jenifer, and his infant son, Bayley. He said he expected the tournament to draw more teams than last year, in part because officers and firefighters were rallying to support Clark's family.

``It hits home when a guy gets killed in the line of duty,'' Wolfe said. ``It's like, wow, that could have been any of us. You feel for his family. There's definitely a bond there, even though a lot of guys didn't know him.''

Wolfe said 20 to 25 teams plan to play in the tournament June 22-23 at Rancho Santa Susana Park. In addition to teams from Ventura County agencies, other squads will come from as far as Nevada, Arizona, Santa Barbara and San Diego, he said.

Police Chief Randy Adams said he was gratified by the outpouring of support.

``It really makes us feel good the community is interested in doing that,'' Adams said. ``When it comes to the loss of an officer, law enforcement throughout the state unites. I think that's important.''

Organizers still are seeking sponsors for games and prizes like T-shirts, baseball caps, sweat shirts and jackets.

To become a sponsor or get more information, call Wolfe at the Lost Hills sheriff's station at [phone].

Wolfe said many people already have stepped up to the plate to offer sponsorships and support. He said the umpires have volunteered to donate their time.

The tournament is the latest in a series of campaigns to benefit Clark's family. Civic groups have held fund-raisers, residents have donated money and city employees have donated leave time.

``This city has always been that way,'' said Councilman Bill Davis. ``It just seems that anybody that ends up with a problem, the city turns out to help them. It's been that way since my first day here.''

The tournament is open only to teams of law enforcement officers and firefighters. Wolfe said he hoped the games would remove some of the barriers between officers and the public.

Clark was shot to death Aug. 4 while responding to a call at the home of Daniel A. Tuffree. Tuffree awaits trial on charges of murdering a police officer that could make him eligible for the death penalty.