ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - When the fighters step into the ring Wednesday for Budweiser Guns 'N Hoses, they will – for the first time since before the pandemic – be fierce combatants.
But like always, they'll be on the same team ... with the same motivation.
The highly-energetic showcase featuring police officers, firefighters and many others taking sides on the "Red" or "Blue" teams, supports Backstoppers Inc., an organization that assists families of first responders who have died in the line of duty.
Since 1987, Guns 'N Hoses has raised $8.5 million. However, it's never had a year more important than 2021. Before the event begins, it will honor 10 fallen first responders, the most in one year in its history:
Lt./Fire Marshal Ronald W. Wehlage, De Soto Rural Fire Protection
Officer Tamarris Bohannon, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department
Retired Capt. David Dorn, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department
Sgt. Herschel Turner, Jr., Moline Acres Police Department
Security Officer James Cook, Metrolink
Firefighter Rodney L. Heard, St. Louis Fire Department
Officer Brian Pierce, Jr., Brooklyn Police Department
Corrections Officer John Bowe, Missouri Department of Corrections
Officer Tyler Timmins, Pontoon Beach Police Department
Battalion Chief Marvin Shaffrey, Cedar Hill Fire Protection District
"It's a legion of angels that support these families of these fallen heroes," said Troy Cardona, Circuit Judge for the 23rd Circuit Court in Missouri, who will be fighting on Wednesday. "It really does give you chills. It makes you get fired up to want to do this thing, you know?"
Tickets to the event at Enterprise Center are on sale at stlgunsnhoses.com.
"This is the biggest event in the country for Police vs. Fire," said promotor Jesse Finney. "It's the place to be the night before Thanksgiving."
Check out our Garage Happy Hour episode with Judge Cardona and Finney, who will join Tom Ackerman, Chris Pronger, Jasmine Huda and Angella Sharpe on FOX 2's live broadcast of the event from 7:00-9:00 PM CT on Wednesday:
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