When Monroe's first responders decide to get together for a game of flag football, they don't mess around.
Especially when it's for charity.
The Monroe Police Department met up with the Monroe Fire Department on Sunday, Sept. 14, at Monroe High School, for a lively and spirited game of flag football. The event, which was coordinated by the Monroe Boys and Girls Club, was organized as a fundraising effort; all proceeds generated during the game were funneled directly back to into the club.
The Monroe Police Department ended up taking the win with a final score of 20 to 15.
"The police department took the lead in the beginning and never looked back,GÇ¥ Chief Tim Quenzer told Monroe City Council on Tuesday, Sept. 16.
Boys and Girls Club Director Marta Miller explained that they are always looking for new ways for fundraise, and being as both the Monroe Police and Fire Departments have been extremely supportive of the club in the past, inviting them to participate seemed like a matter of course.
"It was so much fun,GÇ¥ said Miller. "If we could do another one in a couple months I would do it. It was a blast!GÇ¥
The event included concessions, the mini-Bearcat cheerleaders, the Monroe High School cheerleading squad, and even the Star Spangled Banner, performed by 7th grade Park Place Middle School student Madeleine Gamble.
"She tore it up,GÇ¥ said Miller. "She did great. It was excellent!GÇ¥
The Boys and Girls Club held auditions to determine who would sing the National Anthem, and Gamble won the privilege based on her skill. The 12-year-old has been singing ever since she was a little girl and is involved in the newly revitalized music program at the middle school. She also plays basketball, softball and is the ASB secretary.
The event was supported by sponsorship from two local businesses. Tod Johnson at Speedway Chevrolet jumped on board and sponsored the Monroe Police Department team, and the firefighters were sponsored by Power Breaker Seattle LLC, which is owned by Jameson Garcia. Admission to the event was $5.
Garcia also served as one of the referees, along with Boys and Girls Club flag football coach Eric Weekely. Boys and Girls Club Athletic Director Andre Graham oversaw the event, assisting the refs and helping to answer questions.
Flag football is typically considered to be a non-contact version of football which eliminates the tackle. Players wear flags hanging from their belts, so when somebody is running with the ball, the defensive team must remove the flag from the player's belt to end the down, rather than jumping on top of them in a tackle maneuver.
That's not to say there were no tackles during the police versus fire game.
The Boys and Girls Club adapted a set of rules which allowed for some contact; the game was played seven-on-seven, blocks were permitted, players were allowed to contact opponents during plays and blockers were permitted to both work for and maintain their position on the field. The game was divided into two 30 minute halves, with a 10 minute halftime.
Both the teams practiced extensively in preparation for the matchup, and according to the Boys and Girls Club, the police officers and the firefighters brought everything they had.
"These guys came to play; they came to win,GÇ¥ said Miller. "There were some tackles, and people limping away. They knew what they were coming to do, and it was to win.GÇ¥
And regardless of what happened on the field, after the game was over, Miller shared, the only thing that the police and fire teams were concerned with was how much money had been raised for the club.
"They had a great time and they didn't ask anything of us,GÇ¥ said Miller. "They just love on this club, and we appreciate it.GÇ¥
The event, including the sponsorships from Speedway Chevrolet and Power Breaker Seattle, raised nearly $4000 for the Boys and Girls Club, less the expenses put out for the team jerseys, the concessions and the trophy.
"You know, every little bit helps,GÇ¥ said Miller. "We don't have a lot and so everything extra that we can bring in is icing on the cake.GÇ¥
The trophy is a plaque that will hang at the Monroe Police Department, which will be engraved to reflect their success in this year's match-up. The Boys and Girls Club hopes the make the police versus fire game an annual event, and the trophy has enough space for 11 more games.
"What a fun time,GÇ¥ said Monroe Police Officer Jason Southard. "I was lucky enough to play a game with some of my best friends. The guys on the Fire Department team are top notch, and I'm proud to work with them every day. We rely on each other and it shows when we work together.GÇ¥
The Monroe Police Department team consisted of a total of 11 players, and schedules had to be rearranged so that officers who didn't wish to play could cover for officers that did wish to play. Southard enjoyed the team-building aspect of game.
"We were able to have a good time working hard together towards a common goal,GÇ¥ said Southard. "Many of us don't get to work with one another very often due to our schedules, so when we get a chance, it's a great thing.GÇ¥
The Monroe Fire Department had a total of 13 players, which was fortunate because several of them had to leave during the game to attend to a call. Luckily, the firefighters were able to attend to the call and return to the game.
The firefighters explained that there's some important history to consider; although it's been over seven years since they faced off against the police department, the last three victories belonged to them.
"We've one every single game so far,GÇ¥ said Monroe Firefighter Curtis Greiner. "And I think they were really eager to win this game.GÇ¥
They joked that, while the police department has hired new, younger guys, the firefighters were essentially the same ones who played in the games over seven years ago. And they are completely amenable to the concept of a rematch.
"It was a lot of fun,GÇ¥ said Greiner. "Next year we're looking at doing it again so that will be fun.GÇ¥
The police department team is happy with their win.
"Of course we were happy to come out ahead,GÇ¥ said Southard. "We managed to get a few good plays and hold on in the end. It was a great time and we can't wait to do it again next year and bring in some more money for the Boys and Girls Club!GÇ¥
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