by Christopher R. Martin,
NFFF Rochester Area Events Team
An annual rivalry exhibition game between the Monroe County Fire Hockey team and the Rochester Fire Department Hockey Team was held Sunday, March 10, at Tim Horton’s Iceplex in Brighton. The two teams fought for the title and for their team name to be engraved on the Joseph C. Manuse Memorial trophy, dedicated in memory of Firefighter Joseph Manuse of the Gates Chili Fire District. The trophy is similar in size to the Stanley Cup, though this firefighter trophy sports a full-size fire extinguisher instead of the traditional cup.
The Monroe County Hockey team came out on top with a 10-5 win over the city firefighters.
The teams agreed during the planning stages of the game that the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) would be the beneficiary of the proceeds collected. The admission requested was a five-dollar donation at the door and a Chance Auction was held. One hundred and fifty prizes were donated for the auction. Between the entry fee, the auction ticket sales, and corporate sponsor donations, the NFFF will receive over $13,000 from the event.
The NFFF sponsors events and offers educational opportunities for the Fire Hero Families. This donation will support those efforts. These families are the survivors of firefighters lost in the line of duty. They exist all over the country. On this occasion, local Fire Hero Families were asked to participate in the event and a member of each family shared in the dropping of the first puck. There were members of four families in attendance. The families were split as to which team they supported in the game as a result of whom they had lost.
The NFFF Rochester Area Events Team is appreciative of the opportunity to participate, the funds that will be directed to the Foundation and the camaraderie shared with their cherished Fire Hero Families.
