by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Police officers and firefighters from Jacksonville and surrounding counties will strap on the boxing gloves and headgear to duke it out as part of the 11th annual Guns ‘N Hoses Fight Night event Saturday night. But the outcome will result in more than just bragging rights for the rest of the year.
The annual fights in the squared circle raise money for the Jacksonville FOP Foundation, the nonprofit entity of the local Fraternal Order of Police, that benefits several community causes including the American Heart Association, Police Athletic League, Sickle Cell Disease Foundation and Spina Bifida, as well as local law enforcement programs.
“The (FOP) Foundation gives to numerous organizations,” said Robbie Freitas, executive director of Jacksonville FOP Foundation and Guns ‘N Hoses organizer. “It goes toward a lot of good causes and also helps in officer training programs.”
Freitas began Guns ‘N Hoses in 1999 and has seen it grow in venue — from the Morocco Shrine to the University of North Florida’s arena and now the Downtown Arena — and popularity. Last year’s event drew more than 7,000 people.
He expects this year’s to draw more than 8,000 people, and with those ticket sales comes the most important part of growth, the revenue raised for charities.
Last year’s event brought in around $250,000 for the Foundation, yet even in a down economy Freitas has set the bar a little higher.
“We’re shooting to raise $300,000 this year,” he said. “That’s our goal and I think we can do it.”
Freitas said that though some of the 32 combatants stepped up to prove they could compete and “get in the spotlight before 8,000 fans,” many signed up simply to help.
“A lot of them (boxers) I know are in it for the charity aspect,” said Freitas. “It’s their way of stepping up to make a difference in the community around them.”
Nine-year officer Heith Coleman will jump in the ring for his first time after he was coaxed by three of his fellow Clay County brethren, but said his decision to box is based on the charity aspect.
“I’m doing it for charity, for people who really need the help the money this event raises can give,” said Coleman, who admitted he was a little nervous about Saturday night. “It’s about helping someone else in need.”
One fighter has seen both sides of the public service sector, but will be fighting on the side of the firefighters Saturday night.
“It’s great that it’s for charity,” said Flagler County firefighter Ralph Wainwright, who retired from the New York Police Department after 20 years. “I’m personally dedicating my fight to the police and firefighters of Sept. 11.”
Freitas jokingly told the crowd during Wainwright’s weigh-in Tuesday that the former police officer “flipped sides on us” for the event, but Wainwright said he hasn’t been given too hard a time for participating except from his wife.
“She didn’t want me to do it,” said Wainwright, who then laughed and added, “I had to give her a quote from ‘Rocky’ about being a man to convince her to let me do it.”
Despite his wife’s worries, Wainwright said he’s optimistic about his fight and the event in general.
“I think the fans will see a good show and I hope a lot of money is raised,” he said. “That’s why a lot of us are doing it.”
If you go
What: 11th Annual Guns ‘N Hoses Fight Night
When: Saturday March 7 at 7 p.m.
Where: Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena
Cost: $25 for general admission, $45–$65 for reserved seating
Proceeds benefit numerous charities of the Jacksonville FOP Foundation. Tickets available at Memorial Arena Box Office, ticketmaster.com and FOP Lodge.
356-2466