The 37th annual Guns 'N Hoses event in St. Louis witnessed police officers and firefighters swapping their day jobs for boxing gloves, all in the spirit of charity. The fundraiser, which saw the participants enter the ring at the Enterprise Center, raised significant funds for The BackStoppers, an organization dedicated to supporting the families of fallen first responders. Nicole Boyd, the widow of Dennis Boyd, a St. Louis Sheriff’s Deputy who died in September, acknowledged BackStoppers as a "beacon of light during a very dark time," as reported by First Alert 4.
This year’s installment was as eventful as its predecessors, with a range of bouts featuring fighters such as Davied Lewis of the St. Louis City Fire Department. Despite the demanding training and his day job, Davied Lewis was one of the many who stepped into the ring, pitting the Blue Team against the Red Team, as detailed by a FOX 2 report. The event honored fallen first responders like Deputy Sheriff Dennis Boyd and Officer David Lee, the latter of whom was killed in a vehicular incident while responding to a crash on I-70, and the support didn't end there as it also paid homage to K9 Officers Vader and Odin.
According to KSDK, a huge and enthusiastic crowd filled the Enterprise Center, eager to see their local heroes battle it out for a cause that transcends the night's entertainment. The event's dedication to the cause was highlighted by Lawrence O’Toole, Executive Director of BackStoppers, who underscored the community's generosity and commitment to supporting their first responders.
Over the course of 37 years, Guns 'N Hoses has been a stalwart St. Louis tradition, demonstrating enduring support for frontline heroes. The BackStoppers is currently caring for 95 families, including 70 dependent children, providing not just financial assistance but also a network of emotional support. With an annual expenditure of $2.5 million, the organization helps ensure that the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service do not face their hardships alone. Fans not only got to witness the memorializing of individuals like SLMPD Officer David Lee, but they also contributed to the well-being of many families connected to The BackStoppers, raising over $3 million in the past three years. As expressed by a fan and reported by KSDK, "I think that's pretty cool that they honored him. It's nice to see."
