Exhibition Hockey Game Benefits the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

By Public Information Officer Christopher R. Martin
NFFF Rochester Area Events Team
 
In an annual rivalry exhibition game, the Monroe County Fire Hockey team and the Rochester Fire Department Hockey team 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.

Monroe County Hockey came out on top with a 10-5 win over the city firefighters on March 10, 2024, at Tim Horton’s Iceplex in Brighton, NY.

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 $5 donation at the door. A chance auction was also held for 150 prizes donated for the event. Between the entry fee, auction ticket sales, and corporate sponsor donations, the NFFF will receive over $13,000 from the event.

As many of you know, the NFFF sponsors events and offers educational opportunities for Fire Hero Families. This donation will support those efforts. These families are the survivors of firefighters lost in the line of duty. 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. Members of four families were in attendance.

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 our cherished Fire Hero Families whenever they join us.