Cops and firefighters take to the ice to settle the score

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email
Print
The Bravest, in black, defending against the Finest, wearing white.

POUGHKEEPSIE – The longstanding rivalry between police and firefighters continued on Saturday as the two groups battled on the ice at the McCann Ice Arena in Poughkeepsie.  The Hudson Valley Guns and Hoses non-profit organization comprised of police and firefighters, held their “Winter Classic” hockey game to raise money for the organization.

Finest goalie Chris Pugz after giving up the 3rd goal.

Despite superb spring weather in the Hudson Valley, the players and hundreds of fans entered the cold arena for the hockey game, raffles, and family fun.

The firefighters, known as “The Bravest,” jumped out to a fast three-point lead over the police, playing as “The Finest.”  After the goalie for The Finest settled down, his team went on a non-stop scoring drive, defeating The Bravest by a score of 8-3.

Sal DiPressi, a volunteer firefighter with the Roosevelt Fire Department in Hyde Park serves as an officer with Hudson Valley Guns and Hoses.  DiPressi was pleased with the unexpectedly large turnout and called the event “a big success.”

Hudson Valley Guns and Hoses was established in 2013 and is part of the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, a collection of non-profit organizations that raises money for a variety of charities.

In all, The Bravest had 15 players suit up and The Finest put 17 players on the ice.  According to DiPressi, the money raised from Saturday’s Winter Classic goes towards three scholarships established by Hudson Valley Guns and Hoses.  Additional money raised is used to help police and firefighters who have been injured on the job with financial support.




Popular Stories