Garland firefighters David Gott, Ivan Brooks, and John Perez will be boxing in the Ninth Annual Guns and Hoses Boxing Tournament tonight at Mesquite’s Resistol Arena. This will be Perez’s first time to compete, Brooks’ fourth time in the competition, and Gott’s third.
According to Brooks, the event being for a good cause gets people who are not usually boxing fans involved in the fun.
Police officers Andrew Howe and Steven Antommarchi of Richardson will both be boxing for the first time this year, and they are happy to participate for the cause. The officers’ wives, Lindsay Howe and Stephanie Antommarchi said that they are all for it. “It’s a great cause,” they agreed.
“My brothers in blue would do the same for me if something happened to me or my family,” said Richardson Officer Eric Willadsen, who has boxed in the event in past years.
There is one female bout on this year’s card. Candice Tjaden, a Lavon police officer will fight for the first time. “It just seemed right to support the families of fallen officers,’ Tjaden said.
Firefighters and police officers from more than 20 North Texas communities are on the card for this year’s event. Currently, the police officers have won four of the past eight tournaments, and the firefighters have won four. This year’s event will break the tie.
In addition to the group’s commitment of giving support and financial assistance to the families of fallen officers, the Guns and Hoses Foundation also provides financial assistance to benefit at-risk youth programs and various children’s charities.
The foundation was founded in 2002 and is managed by a seven-member board of directors. Visit www.gunsandhosesnorthtx.org for more information.
TEXAS
LEGENDS HONOR DEFENDERS OF FREEDOM
EXCLUSIVE OFFER TO MEMBERS OF
MILITARY, POLICE, AND FIRE
DEPARTMENTS
FRISCO – From the outset, the
Legends have
been inspired by the legendary men and women of Texas. Now, the Legends
are offering a
Texas-sized thank you to the true Legends – those who protect, serve,
and
defend our country.
“The name ‘Texas Legends’ is a
tribute to
the men and women who have made our great state what it is today,” owner
Donnie
Nelson said upon bestowing the name Legends upon his team. “We celebrate
those
who’ve sacrificed greatly and achieved the honorable.”
With Independence Day on its
way, the Texas
Legends, in partnership with InTouch Credit Union, look to continue that
celebration by offering special pricing to all members of the armed
forces,
police, and fire – currently serving as well as retired - and their
families on
season ticket packages.
“In honor of our independence
and those
who’ve sacrificed and served to make this the greatest nation on earth,”
Nelson
commented. “We will offer an exclusive $4 (Happy 4th
of July!) per
game season ticket package to the families of those who’ve served in
either the
military, police, or fire. I cannot think of a better way to celebrate
our country’s birthday! Thank you for making us safe and proud!”
The Legends have already sold
more than
13,000 tickets for their inaugural season, and have surged to the top
tier of
the D-League in ticket sales. Beginning now until July 16, a limited
number of reserved seat season ticket packages will be available to any
and all
members of the armed forces, firefighters, police officers and their
families
at $96.
“As we enjoy our 4th of July
holiday, we
are grateful for the men and women of our military, police and fire
departments
whom have protected us and our independence -- now that’s what I call legendary!”
Texas Legends co-owner Evan
Wyly said. “We are pleased to offer this special value in appreciation
for their service.”
Through this Independence Day
special,
InTouch Credit Union and the Legends hope to give back to the community
by
honoring the members of the military, police, and fire departments as
well as
their respective families.
“InTouch Credit Union is
honored to
acknowledge the gallantry of men and women who proudly serve our
community and
country, and patriotically supports the Legends’ special offer in
recognition
of their service.” InTouch Credit Union President and CEO Kent Lugrand
commented.
This special Independence Day
offer can be
purchased by calling the Texas Legends offices 1-214-469-0822, or by
emailing info@TexLegends.com.
Mention the
“Independence Day Special” for access to this exclusive offer.
By Guns and Hoses Foundation of North Texas | January 13, 2010 at 01:53 PM EST | No Comments
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Guns and Hoses Foundation of North Texas
Accepting Donations to “Survivors Fund”
After Death of Arlington Police Officer Craig G. Story
The Guns & Hoses Foundation of North Texas announced today that donations are being accepted to its Survivor’s Fund which provides benefits to the dependents of peace officers and firefighters who are killed in the line of duty.
Our agency suffered a tragic loss today. Officer Craig Gordon Story, a seven-year veteran of the Arlington Police Department, died in the line of duty in a vehicle crash Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010. Officer Story, 34, was working as a motorcycle traffic officer at about 7:15 a.m. when his motorcycle and an Arlington school bus collided near the intersection of South Cooper Street and Inwood Drive.
Officer Story suffered severe injuries and was pronounced dead at the crash scene. Nine children were on the school bus, along with the driver. None of them suffered any serious injuries. Grief counselors were provided for the children, who ranged in age from 6 to 13.
There are inherent dangers that come with being a police officer. We all hope to never have to talk about our officers making the ultimate sacrifice, but unfortunately today we are doing just that. Officer Story joined the 24th Academy Class of the Arlington Police Department in May 2002. He worked patrol in the North and East districts, and was nominated for East officer of the Year in 2005. During his seven years with the department, Officer Story received 19 commendations. He was also a member of our Tactical Unit and had joined the Traffic Unit last year.
Most importantly, Officer Story was a family man. He is survived by his wife and 2-year-old son. Please keep the Story family and his police family in your thoughts and prayers.
By Guns and Hoses Foundation of North Texas | December 23, 2009 at 12:25 AM EST | No Comments
December 22, 2009
Press Contact: Lt. David Swavey
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Guns and Hoses Foundation of North Texas
Accepting Donations to “Survivors Fund”
After Death of Arlington Firefighter Donald Edward Hogg
The Guns & Hoses Foundation of North Texas announced today that donations are being accepted to its Survivor’s Fund which provides benefits to the dependents of peace officers and firefighters who are killed in the line of duty.
Donald "Don" Edward Hogg died Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009, at a Mansfield care facility after an acute illness. He was 49 years old.Born in Dallas, Don was active at First Presbyterian Church Dallas during his youth. An Eagle Scout, Don attended Texas A&M University (Class of '82) and was active with Campus Crusade for Christ. Don was a firefighter with the Arlington Fire Department since 1986. He received the Medal of Valor, was Firefighter of the Year, Rookie of the Year, recognized twice as a member of the Crew of the Year, and was recipient of the Chief's Five Standards Award.
Don was instrumental in development of the HazMat Team in 1988, with which he served 21 years and was the last active founding member. He was also a member of the Bomb Squad and TechRescue Team. Don used his mechanical knowledge to develop many of the tools used by the department. He continually sought the difficult assignments and all who worked with him regard him as an outstanding firefighter and one of the hardest working men they knew.
If you wish to help, donations to the Survivors Fund can be made at www.gunsandhosesnorthtx.com or mailed to:
GUNS and HOSES Foundation of North Texas c/o Gary Mork 1891 Forest Lane Garland, TX 75042
100% of Survivor’s Fund donations go to the dependents of law enforcement officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty.
The Guns & Hoses Foundation of North Texas was founded in 2002, as a nonprofit 501(c)3 foundation primarily committed to providing support and financial assistance to families of fallen fire and police officers, who have lost their lives performing their duty.
The Guns & Hoses foundation covers 16 counties in North Texas which are served by over 23,000 police and firefighters.
By Guns and Hoses Foundation of North Texas | November 23, 2009 at 11:52 PM EST | No Comments
Hubbards is known for their great food and pretty waitresses.
(Guns & Hoses organizers Dave Swavey (L) and Jeff Tokar (R) with Debi Whitworth, owner of Hubbard's.)
Brother Van took his Traveling Breakfast Show to Hubbard's in Garland to promote Guns & Hoses. The Fourth Annual Guns & Hoses is a Boxing Tournament pitting police and firefighters of the Metroplex against each other. Proceeds benefit the non-profit Guns & Hoses Foundation as it supports the families of fallen firefighters and police officers.
By Guns and Hoses Foundation of North Texas | November 23, 2009 at 11:45 PM EST | No Comments
Terrell officer takes part in 'Guns and Hoses'
Terrell Police Offer Lupe Gonzales works on his punches with coach David Martinez at the Garland Police Department boxing gym. The facility is available for free to officers participating in the Guns and Hoses tournament, a fundraiser benefiting families of civil servants killed in the line of duty.
By Don C. Johnson
Published: Monday, November 9, 2009 8:11 AM CST
For the first time, the Terrell Police Department has produced a challenger — officer Lupe Gonzales — to compete in the annual Guns and Hoses charity boxing tournament.
Police and fire departments from around North Texas send fighters to the event, raising money for the Guns and Hoses Foundation. The nonprofit provides support and benefits for the families of firefighters and police officers killed in the line of duty.
“It is a very worthwhile organization that does a lot for police and fire family survivors,” said Terrell Police Chief Jody Lay.
Lay brought the event to the attention of Terrell’s police force when he took the helm of the department earlier this year.
“I thought it would be a good thing to help solidify the bonds in the department, to get behind officer Gonzales, motivate folks and get everyone excited about being police officers,” he said.
For Gonzales, who is in his third year at the department, the match is the culmination of months of training and years of wondering.
“I’ve always wanted to try it, but just never took the time to do it,” he said. “The chief was asking for people to think about it, and nobody else stepped up so I went ahead.”
Since May, Gonzales has been a regular at the Garland Police Department boxing gym, where he is able to train for the event at no charge. “The last two months, I have trained every day except for Sundays. I come in at around 12:30 and train until 2 or 2:30,” he said. “I can run for miles and it is not as tiring as boxing, the intensity is higher,” he said.
Gonzales’ wife of eight years is supportive of the effort as well. “She is actually excited to come out and watch,” he said. “She has seen a big difference in both physical shape and attitude with this. I’ve lost about 15 pounds since I started.”
Boxing coach David Martinez has been working with Gonzales for the last five weeks and is seeing improvements as well. “These guys come in with no experience and start training, they don’t know much about the footwork and all that is involved,” he said. “After about three sessions, they pick it up.”
Martinez was hopeful about the outcome of Saturday’s bout.
“I’m thinking we can win,” he said. “Lupe has been working extremely hard and he definitely has a chance.”
“Unfortunately, the fire department is ahead of the police department at Guns and Hoses. I’m confident with Lupe in the act, this could be the police department’s year,” Chief Lay said. “Showing up takes guts and a lot of intensity, it is a significant thing. I’m proud of him already, the whole department is proud of him for going through the process and getting involved.”
Lay also hopes this year will set a precedent for involvement from other Kaufman County departments next year.
The winning side receives a trophy that is circulated through the participating departments. Contestants also seek table sponsors for the event.
“They are trying to earn a ring, it’s like a Superbowl ring, very impressive,” Lay said.
The event has raised more than $500,000 within the last seven years for the Guns and Hoses Foundation, which has been called on 16 times to assist families.
