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For months, area firefighters and police officers have been training for a fight beyond their normal police duties. They are fighting for a spot on the annual Guns 'N Hoses event scheduled for Wednesday, November 25th. Money raised will benefit the families of fallen officers and firefighters. A Thanksgiving Eve tradition, Guns 'n Hoses features boxing matches between teams of police and firefighters from throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area. Area police officers and fire fighters who have died in the line of duty since last year's event are also honored.
"I've been wanting to do this for years," said Erik Hall, Frontenac firefighter.
Some will train 3 to 4 nights a week for months just to have a shot at getting into the ring.
"I mean that's dedication you have to be here all the time," said Rick Will, St. Louis County Police Department.
"Before I decided to become a firefighter I've been waiting to get into a guns and hoses and start training," said Eric Hall, Frontenac Firefighter.
This year the loss of Officer Julius Moore inspired St. Louis City police officer Kim Allen to get back in the ring. She fought in 2002 and 2003 but felt Moore's death left her no choice but to fight again.
"That one hit pretty close to him he's got three children we need to work hard for to support," said Allen.
"A lot of my friends, some of them have died in the line of duty so its something personal for me," said Officer Mike Deck, St. Louis County police department.
Guns 'N Hoses can also be a big morale booster.
"When you doubt the community backs you anymore and they all come out to watch us fight that really hits home and it really lets us know that we're still being backed," said Allen.
The 23rd annual Budweiser Guns 'n Hoses boxing championships will be held on Wednesday, November 25, 2009, at the Scottrade Center. The event has raised more than $2.6 million for the Backstoppers since it was first held in 1987.
Tickets may be purchased from members of the police and fire departments.
To purchase tickets, call:
St. Louis County: 314.713.6031
St. Louis City: 314.444.5795
Illinois: 618.622.1507
Tickets will also be available at the door.
"I've been wanting to do this for years," said Erik Hall, Frontenac firefighter.
Some will train 3 to 4 nights a week for months just to have a shot at getting into the ring.
"I mean that's dedication you have to be here all the time," said Rick Will, St. Louis County Police Department.
"Before I decided to become a firefighter I've been waiting to get into a guns and hoses and start training," said Eric Hall, Frontenac Firefighter.
This year the loss of Officer Julius Moore inspired St. Louis City police officer Kim Allen to get back in the ring. She fought in 2002 and 2003 but felt Moore's death left her no choice but to fight again.
"That one hit pretty close to him he's got three children we need to work hard for to support," said Allen.
"A lot of my friends, some of them have died in the line of duty so its something personal for me," said Officer Mike Deck, St. Louis County police department.
Guns 'N Hoses can also be a big morale booster.
"When you doubt the community backs you anymore and they all come out to watch us fight that really hits home and it really lets us know that we're still being backed," said Allen.
The 23rd annual Budweiser Guns 'n Hoses boxing championships will be held on Wednesday, November 25, 2009, at the Scottrade Center. The event has raised more than $2.6 million for the Backstoppers since it was first held in 1987.
Tickets may be purchased from members of the police and fire departments.
To purchase tickets, call:
St. Louis County: 314.713.6031
St. Louis City: 314.444.5795
Illinois: 618.622.1507
Tickets will also be available at the door.
