ATLANTA — Police officers and firefighters are about to put the gloves on to fight for at-risk youth in metro Atlanta.
The annaul Guns N’ Hoses boxing match pits firefighters against police officers in an effort to raise funds for the Atlanta Police Athletic League, an organization that brings much needed extra-curricular activities to at-risk youth.
The annual match is slated for Thursday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m. at The Tabernacle at 152 Luckie Street in Atlanta.
Among those entering the ring this year are Brookhaven Police Department Officers Lt. Kevin Patton, Russell Holloway and Tommy Lefever. Patton and Lefever have participated in past matches with Holloway, new to the force this year, going the distance for the first time at the Guns N’ Hoses event.
Traditionally, police and firefighters have a competitive history, whether at work or play, and this boxing match provides the opportunity for some old-fashioned fun and friendly rivalry. During the one-day event, each athlete makes a single appearance, with each appearance lasting for three one-minute rounds of fast-paced action.
“I fight because not only does it help local inner-city kids, but I find it a challenge,” said Patton. “I have been doing martial arts for the past 11 years, competing in local amateur martial arts competitions and I see this as a fun activity, an additional challenge, and a way to give back to the community.”
No stranger to charitable work, Patton helps each year with the Brookhaven Shop with a Cop event for local youth and with fundraising for the Georgia Special Olympics.
Proceeds from the Guns N’ Hoses match go 100% to the Atlanta Police Athletic League.
Consisting of 100 chapters nationwide, the Atlanta chapter was created over 35 years ago and through its two facilities in the metro-Atlanta area and community outreach, supports over 2,800 children each year, at no charge.
The youth crime prevention initiative includes recreational, athletic and educational activities with the goal of building positive relationships between police officers, young people and the community.
“PAL believes that, when a child respects a police officer on the ball field or in the gym, he or she will come to respect the laws that police officers enforce, therefore benefitting everyone concerned,” noted Brookhaven Police Chief Gary Yandura. “Their programming is geared toward improving quality-of-life for our youth participants by promoting confidence, self-esteem, civic engagement, academic achievement and social principles.”
For Officer Holloway, helping raise funds for PAL has a personal tie. “I’m from New Jersey originally and I grew up participating in a PAL league there as a kid,” said Holloway. “I have always been active in sports events, especially ones that help kids and the community. Before joining the BPD this year, I worked with PAL as an officer in Cobb County too and I appreciate how it allows me to give back to the community. I think PAL is a great organization.”
Tickets for the Dec. 12 main event are $15 and can be purchased at www.AtlantaGunsNHoses.com.
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