Two agencies that typically work in collaboration found themselves in competition Saturday evening at the Blue Tiger Quarterback Club's 2nd Annual Guns & Hoses & War of Roses at Dwight T. Reed Stadium.
The defending champions, the firefighters (Hoses), took home the title for the second time, defeating the law enforcement (Guns) 21-14 in a four-quarter, full-contact football game.
Each team had more than 30 players who represented fire departments and law enforcement agencies all across Mid-Missouri.
Money raised by the players, as well as concessions, contests and ticket sales benefit Lincoln University's (LU) Blue Tiger Quarterback Club, the Safety Net of Mid-Missouri and the Community Breast Care Coalition. Last year, each agency received $8,000 raised by the event.
"We thought that was pretty darn amazing," said Gina Volmert, president of the Blue Tiger Quarterback Club. "We hope to have a bigger and bigger event each year."
She said the players take the charity football game very seriously, training and practicing for the event.
Three powder puff teams - Team Community GO Partners Health Solutions, Team CF Divas and Team CrossFit Unstoppable - also competed Saturday morning in the War of Roses part of the program. CrossFit Unstoppable took home the trophy.
LU Football Head Coach Mike Jones helped organize the event along with the Quarterback Club. He comes from a long line of firefighters.
"This (event) is all about community development and we want to make sure more people get involved," Jones said.
Lt. Greg McKinney with LU's Police Department, was team captain for the Law Enforcement (Guns). He missed last year's game because his son was graduating and this year his son was able to play.
"He's an MP (military police officer) in the Marine Corps and travelled 26 hours (from San Diego) to get here for the game," McKinney said.
Capt. Casey Hughes with the Jefferson City Fire Department led the Firefighters (Hoses) and said the event not only raises money for a good cause, but fosters physical fitness.
"It also allows us to come out and compete in a sport that we all love so much," Hughes said.
LU President Kevin Rome said the charity game is a great way to highlight those who serve the community.
"It also gives men the opportunity to act like boys again," he said.