MARQUETTE, Mich. (WLUC) – The Marquette County Pigs-N-Heat Fire Relief Fund charity hockey game was igniting the crowd at Lakeview Arena on Wednesday night. This event hosts some friendly competition between local firefighters and law enforcement, in an effort to raise money to aid those who have been impacted by a fire.
“Well that old traditional rivalry between police and firefighters has been there for a long long time and this is one way that not only can we kind of just have a little fun with that rivalry but does it for a good reason and that fire relief fund is a charity that we kind of come together for,” said Police Captain Jim Finkbeiner.
The money raised aids people who have been affected by fire and goes toward putting food on the table, having clothes to wear, and even staying in a hotel room for a couple of nights.
They were only asking for a dollar at the door, but in the 39 years of hosting this game they have raised almost $500,000.
“Every day it amazes me especially when we have some type of disaster a fire or whatever it happens to be how much this community rallies around the people that live here,” continued Finkbeiner.
Aside from just the one-dollar donations, “Chuck-a-puck” and 50/50 raffles played a big role in the night’s fundraiser.
During the pandemic, officers say that the funds were almost depleted and that this game is a true testament to the U.P. community.
“This is a godsend. We got a ton of people here everybody having fun, and we’re so grateful for the generosity of the citizens,” said Skandia Fire Chief Kevin Downs.
Officers say it’s always important to stay a team, but on the ice is always a different story with different jerseys.
“On the ice, it’s all business, and we really wanna take home a trophy, but the camaraderie is great and we’re all working together”
Click here for a link to the Marquette County Fire Relief Fund
