Guns-N-Hoses Grappling Competition Pits Firefighters Against Police Officers in the Name of Charity

Add Feedback

Share |

Guns-N-Hoses Submission Grappling Competition

The Guns-N-Hoses Submission Grappling Competition pits firefighters and law enforcement agents against each other for both sportsmanship and charity.  The vision of Los Angeles Police Officer Mark Mireles and Orange County Fire Authority firefighter Ken Gabrielson, this sport combines the principles of wrestling and jiu jitsu, and brings first responders together to help the families of fallen firefighters and police officers. Recently, Guns-N-Hoses held their Conrad Salinas Patriot Cup tournament at the CFED Conference and Expo in Palm Springs, California.

Guns-N-Hoses at CFED Conference and Expo 2009

The goal of the CFED Conference was to bring fire, police, military and medical professionals together to develop relationships that would be beneficial to multi-agency emergency response.  In addition to the classes and meetings held during the conference, attendees were able to take part in several social events that promoted first responder camaraderie, include the Guns-N-Hoses Submission Grappling Competition.

The match was a face-off between five law enforcement officers and five firefighters.  They each competed for individual championships with $500 purses and a championship belt.  The results of each fight were also used to award team points that determined the winner of the Conrad Salinas Patriot Cup.  Explaining the selection process for the grapplers in this match, Director Wayne Womack says, "It is an all-star lineup of law enforcement and firefighters from throughout the Western United States.  The process began back in January where we had over 90 law enforcement and firefighter grapplers come from across the United States, try out, and this is the best of the lot."

Charity Mission for Families of Fallen Firefighters and Police Officers

The Conrad Salinas Patriot Cup was ultimately awarded to the firefighters with a score of 3 to 2.  However, the real winners of the night were several charities that benefit the families of fallen firefighters and police officers.  A portion of the proceeds from this and all of the Guns-N-Hoses events that happen throughout the year are donated to these charities.

Major Richard Hughbank of the United States Army, who gave a speech prior to the match about warrior ethos and the importance of such charities, says, "I would like to think that if something happened to me in the line of duty that my family would be taken care of, and being able to give back to these family members is important because the family members are just as involved in what we're doing in saving lives and protecting lives as the actual uniformed members in the street doing it."

Although there is competition involved in Guns-N-Hoses, the rivalry is very friendly, and the tournaments have brought firefighters and police officers together through the charity mission.  Mike Barredo, a Palm Springs Police Officer and Guns-N-Hoses grappler, explains, "All in all, the way I look at it, we're all doing the same job, and we're just like brothers.  It's just a matter of how to sort that out."

More Information on Guns-N-Hoses Upcoming Events

For information on how to become involved in Guns-N-Hoses Submission Grappling and for a list of the upcoming matches, visit www.badgefights.com.