Police officers battle firefighters on the ice

By Jeff O'Brien

Monday, Feb. 2, 2009 | 1:35 p.m.

Members of the Henderson Police Department and North Las Vegas Fire Department had one night of glory before 7,000 cheering fans as they clashed during the sixth annual "Guns 'n Hoses Charity Broomball Game" at the Orleans Arena on Saturday.

The eight-minute match took place during the first intermission of the Las Vegas Wranglers hockey game against the Bakersfield Condors, with each department sending 10 of its finest players onto the ice.

The North Las Vegas Fire Department wore their fire helmets while Henderson Police donned riot gear and arrived on a police van to the tune of "Bad Boys" by Inner Circle.

With no skates and a rubber ball instead of a puck, what began as a smooth hockey match quickly transformed into a wild game of flops, slides and unusual tactics — with the crowd cheering the entire time.

About 350 family members from each department were in the crowd to cheer them on. One of the event's coordinators, Henderson Police detective Rand Allison, said his team didn't practice.

"We just go out there and wing it," he said.

The event began in 2003, when the Las Vegas Wranglers were looking for a way to give back to local charities, Allison said.

"They contacted us and we said, 'Absolutely,' Allison said. "Every year it raises money for a different charity."

Last year's game raised about $800 for the Southern Nevada Burn Foundation, Allison said.

This year, a portion of each Wranglers ticket from the event went toward Families for Effective Autism Treatment in Las Vegas. Allison expected about $1,000 to be raised.

After plenty of spills and some impressive saves by both goalies, Henderson Police beat the North Las Vegas Fire Dept. by a score of 1-0 — although the winning goal was thrown in by hand.

In what has become a tradition over the past six years, the winning chief throws a pie in the face of the losing chief.

But Henderson Police Chief Jutta Chambers changed her mind as she aimed her sweet ammunition, hitting Wranglers mascot The Duke instead of North Las Vegas Chief Mike Parry. The Duke tumbled to the ground with his furry face covered in pie.

"It's good camaraderie and a lot of fun for the families," Allison said. "But it's really about helping charities in our community."

Jeff O’Brien can be reached at 990-8957 or [email protected].