First Annual Fire vs. Police Golf Tournament raises over $3,600 for charity

Mon, 06/26/2017 - 12:30pm

    ROCKPORT — Sometimes first responders just need to kick back from the stress and challenges of their jobs and unwind with their colleagues and friends. They did just that at the First Annual Fire vs. Police Golf Tournament on June 17 at the Goose River Golf Club in Rockport.

    But, the purpose of the tournament was about more than having a good time. It was also about raising money to support local charities, which were chosen by the firefighters and police officers who played the eighteen holes.

    Forty-four golfers participated, most representing fire, police and EMS professionals from Knox County, along with some local golf enthusiasts who joined the various first responder teams.

    The tournament raised more than $3,600 which will be divided between two charities, the Firefighters Children’s Burn Foundation in Portland and Special Olympics.

    The concept and planning for the tournament was a collaboration between Rockport Fire Chief Jason Peasley and Goose River’s new golf professional, Alex Plummer. They wanted first responders to have fun while helping the community at the same time.

    Peasley took time during the awards presentation to praise the hole sponsors and businesses who donated the food for the post tournament barbeque. He said the response from the local businesses was outstanding and really added to the final amount of money raised to support the two charities. He also recognized Plummer and the Goose River Golf Club for their support and offering a very reasonable rate to rent the course.

    The final salute went to Adventure Advertising in Rockport who were thanked for what Peasley called their “above and beyond” donation with designing the event flyers and signs for the hole sponsors. “We are very grateful that we can always count on Joe and Ginny Ryan,” said Peasley. 

    By all accounts, everyone had a great time on the links and there was a resounding “vote” that this will become an annual event. Plummer said that he hopes they can increase the number of golfers next year. 

    Rockport Police Sgt. Jim Moore already put out the challenge to Rockland Police and the Knox County Sheriff’s Office to enter teams in the next tournament. He made it clear that Rockport has the “bragging rights” with their better golf score over the Camden and Thomaston Police Department teams and hopes to challenge them all again next year.

    As they say, a little friendly competition can be a good thing.

    Reach Sarah Shepherd at news@PenBayPilot.com

    Related story:

    http://www.penbaypilot.com/article/police-firefighters-hit-links-charity-emergency-responder-golf-tournament/86487