IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Iron Mountain Police & Fire Departments are gearing up for their annual golf tournament, set to take place on September 15th at Pine Grove Country Club. The event raises funds for scholarships that are awarded to local Iron Mountain High School (IMHS) students pursuing careers in criminal justice and fire science.
Sergeant Matt Opolka, the School Liaison Officer for the Iron Mountain Police Department, encouraged IMHS students to reach out to Dawn Smith, the school guidance counselor, for more information about the scholarships. “We would love to see, you know, more people coming back to the area. I myself came back to the area. I’m an Iron Mountain graduate. We would love to see more kids coming back to the area, looking for jobs as far as becoming a police officer or becoming a firefighter here in Iron Mountain,” Opolka said.
Apparatus Engineer Nate Furton of the Iron Mountain Fire Department highlighted the format and purpose of the tournament. “We’re having our annual golf outing this year at Pine Grove Country Club here in Iron Mountain. It’s to raise money for a scholarship fund that we have for the city of Iron Mountain students: one for fire science and the other for criminal justice,” Furton explained. He added, “It’s a four-man scramble. It starts at noon: shotgun start. It’s $400 a team or $100 a person.”
Furton emphasized the importance of the event, not just for the competition, but for the community. “There’s definitely teams that, you know, try to win, but we’re just out there to have a good time and raise money for some local students and hopefully everybody just has a good time.”
Opolka expressed his excitement for the new school year and the opportunities the scholarship offers to local students. “I am very excited to start a new school year with you guys, and I’m looking forward to school starting up next week, and hopefully we’ll have a heck-of-a year. And stay out of trouble,” Opolka added.
In addition to the main event, the tournament will feature cash prizes for the longest putt, closest to the pin, and longest drive.
The deadline to sign-up for the annual Iron Mountain Police & Fire Golf Tournament is Sunday, September 8th.
Those interested in participating can sign up by calling (906) 774-0622 or by visiting the Iron Mountain Fire Department at 101 E. Fleshiem St. in Iron Mountain
