Charlotte first responders trade uniforms for hockey gear in annual 'Salute to Heroes'

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It is not often you see firefighters and police against each other.

But, Sunday night at the Bojangles Coliseum, Charlotte Fire and MEDIC took on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office in the 14th Annual Salute to Hero's Hockey Game.

"It's pretty intense on the ice. There might be a fight or two, but the cool thing about it here in Charlotte, Fire, MEDIC, police, sheriffs, we all get along," CMPD officer David Tropeano said.

Organizers said the game is intense, it is all about showing the people who put their lives on the line day in and day out, that the community they serve, has their back, in the worst of times.

"Last year, we had some heartache with some officers. One got killed down there in South Carolina. Unfortunately, that happens around the country every day," Tropeano said.

For 14 years, the game has raised money to support families of fallen or injured first responders in times of need.

"Just to know that our money can go to a mortgage payment or to health bills or to buy groceries to our people who have medical bills pilling up, it helps out tremendously for them," firefighter Rob Griffin said.

Tropeano said he has personally seen the funds at work for a fellow brother in blue.

"He was helping with a car chase and a guy ran head on into him. He broke both arms and both legs," Tropeano said.

Tropeano said after healing, he is back in the police game and the hockey game.

"He was a stud for us playing hockey. He's actually coming back for the first time in seven years," Tropeano said. "Events like this make you proud to be wearing the badge and be helping out the community."

Charlotte Fire and MEDIC took home the trophy this year.

In the 13 years prior, the Heroes Hockey game has raised more than $380,000.

Cox Media Group