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Friendly competition between first responders raises money for youth burn victims

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, September 13th 2025 at 22:13 GMT by 12onyourside.com
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Friendly Competition Among First Responders Sparks Record‑Breaking Fundraising for Youth Burn Victims

On the weekend of September 12‑13, 2025, an unexpected blend of camaraderie and charity swept across the city’s downtown park as a cohort of local first responders—firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical technicians—competed in a “Friendly Fire” relay race that raised an astonishing $58,000 for youth burn victims. The event, orchestrated by the nonprofit 12 On Your Side in partnership with the City Fire Department, Metro Police Department, and County EMS, turned a day of friendly rivalry into a headline‑making philanthropic triumph.

The Big Idea: Turning Rivalry into Relief

The race concept was conceived by volunteer coordinator Maya Lopez, who explained that the idea was born from a desire to keep the community engaged after the city’s annual “Red‑Tide” charity marathon had taken a year off due to pandemic restrictions. “We wanted something that was fun, fast‑paced, and could bring together the teams that work side‑by‑side on the front lines,” Lopez said. “The relay format, with each team picking a different obstacle, let us celebrate the unique skills of each squad while driving up the fundraising stakes.”

Each first‑responder team—Fire 4, Police Precinct 12, and EMS 3—was assigned a distinct obstacle that highlighted their everyday challenges: a firehouse ladder scramble for the firefighters, a mock hostage‑situation for the police, and a rapid‑response stretcher run for the EMTs. Participants were required to complete all three stages before tagging the next teammate, creating a continuous chain of effort that kept the crowd on its toes.

How the Competition Raised Funds

A corporate sponsor, “BrightLight Energy,” provided a $10,000 challenge grant for the winning team, but the bulk of the money came from local businesses, residents, and online crowdfunding. After the relay, a silent auction featuring donated art, gift certificates, and a “firefighter for a day” experience raised an additional $12,000. The event also included a bake‑sale by the firefighters’ wives and a “donate a gear” station where participants could pledge money to purchase specialized burn‑care equipment for the youth burn unit at Mercy Hospital.

According to 12 On Your Side’s spokesperson, “We set a target of $25,000 and crossed it in less than a week, thanks to the community’s generosity.” The final tally of $58,000 surpassed the initial goal by 132%, making it the most successful fundraising event in the organization’s 15‑year history.

Who Will Benefit?

The funds will go directly to the Youth Burn Recovery Program at Mercy Hospital, a state‑of‑the‑art facility that treats children who have sustained severe thermal injuries. The program provides comprehensive care, including surgical interventions, physical therapy, and psychological counseling. Dr. Luis Ortega, head of pediatric burn surgery at Mercy, emphasized the urgency of the funding: “Burn injuries account for approximately 3% of all pediatric emergencies in our region, and the costs for long‑term care are staggering. Every dollar translates into a child receiving better pain management, shorter hospital stays, and more robust rehabilitation.”

The program also offers a Home‑Care Kit for families, containing specialized wound dressings, temperature‑controlled storage units, and educational materials. “Without this support, families would be left to navigate an overwhelming maze of medical supplies and after‑care instructions,” Dr. Ortega added.

Voices from the Track

Firefighter Lieutenant Karen Martinez, who led Fire 4, described the atmosphere as “electric.” “Seeing the police and EMTs go head‑to‑head over a ladder climb was both hilarious and inspiring,” she laughed. “We’re all part of the same family, and it was a reminder that our differences can be a source of strength.”

Police Sergeant Daniel Hayes recalled a moment when his team, trailing behind the others, decided to improvise a “tactical obstacle” by using a set of weighted batons to test their coordination. “We had a few laughs, but we finished the race together, and that’s what matters,” he said.

EMT Team Lead Olivia Chen highlighted the event’s impact on morale. “The city’s first responders often face long shifts and high‑stress environments. This kind of event reminds us that our service is appreciated and that we can have fun while helping others,” she noted.

Community Reaction

Local residents and businesses flooded the event’s dedicated Facebook page with supportive messages and photos. A 12‑year‑old participant, who was in the audience and watched the relay, commented, “I learned that heroes can be cool and funny too, and that they care about people just like us.” A local coffee shop, Brewed Awakening, donated $2,500 for a “Firehouse Latte” that helped raise additional revenue.

City officials also expressed admiration. Mayor Angela Reyes, who opened the event, said, “The sense of unity and purpose displayed by these brave men and women is a testament to our city’s resilience. I encourage all residents to consider how they might contribute to this vital cause, whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word.”

Looking Ahead

The success of “Friendly Fire” has sparked plans for a more extensive multi‑city event later this year, tentatively titled “Heroes Run for Hope.” 12 On Your Side is exploring additional partnerships with medical institutions, corporate sponsors, and national nonprofits to expand the reach of the Youth Burn Recovery Program.

Maya Lopez concluded the press release by inviting the public to visit the 12 On Your Side website for detailed donation options and future event announcements. “Every child deserves a chance at a healthy future,” she wrote. “We’re thrilled to have the community’s support and look forward to turning more friendly competition into tangible hope.”

In Summary

The friendly competition among first responders not only showcased the skill and solidarity of firefighters, police officers, and EMTs but also mobilized community resources to secure a record‑breaking $58,000 for the Youth Burn Recovery Program. The funds will directly enhance medical care, rehabilitation, and after‑care support for children who have endured severe burn injuries, ensuring that their path to recovery is smoother and more comprehensive. As the city celebrates this remarkable achievement, the event serves as a powerful reminder that when professionals from different fields come together for a common cause, the result can be both unforgettable and life‑changing.