The 2nd Annual Battle of the Badges Hockey Game raised $7000 from ticket sales and donations for the Children’s Specialized Hospital Friday Night Fever Program with donations still coming in.
The game featured members of the Elizabeth Fire and Police Departments and was played in front of a capacity crowd at the historic Warinanco Ice Skating Center. EFD’s Bravest led 4-1 through two periods, but EPD’s Finest battled back to tie the game after pulling their goalie for an extra attacker in the waning minutes of the third period. In overtime, the Finest scored just over a minute into play for their second straight victory. EPD now leads 2-0 in the Battle of the Badges Hockey Series.
“While EPD was victorious in the game the real winners are the children that participate in the Friday Night Fever Program,” said Daniel Beirne, FMBA Local 9 State Delegate and one of the event organizers. The program is a monthly social and recreational program for teens with disabilities. “We have built a strong relationship with this program together with Officer Joseph Pevonis and the city police officers and we are looking forward to making next year’s game even better,” added Beirne. This year’s game was followed by a successful Family Skate with new features being discussed for next year’s game.
The event was sponsored locally by Elizabeth Firefighters FMBA Local 9, Elizabeth Fire Officers IAFF Local 2040, and Elizabeth Police PBA Local 4. The Union County Parks and Recreation Department volunteered the venue, staff, and ice time.
Additionally, members of Elizabeth EMTs EMBA IAEP Local 87 and Elizabeth EMS Supervisors FMBA Local 309 volunteered by staffing an ambulance in cooperation with the Elizabeth Fire Department EMS Division.