There is an old debate that raises the question; which is stronger - an irresistible force or an immovable object?
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Police officers are well-known for being brave and assertive. They must be, since they put their lives on the line each day, facing what we fear. They are truly an irresistible force.
Meanwhile, firefighters are also among the bravest of the brave. They do not back down, even when facing insurmountable odds. They plunge themselves into the mouth of hell to save life and property. Strong and resolute,they are the immovable object.
The stage was set, the tickets were sold and the house was packed at the Hammond Civic Center last night to see the ultimate public service showdown at Slugfest 2016.
Hammond’s Slugfest is a long-standing annual event, with the first Slugfest being held in 2003, and proceeds to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation is well known for its work granting the wishes of children who have been diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions. The foundation’s roots go back to 1980 when US Customer officials and Arizona Public Safety officers worked together to grant the wish of 7-year-old Christopher James Greicius, who was being treated for leukemia. Christopher wished to one day become a police officer, and his wish was granted. He was sworn in and spent the day as a police officer. Christopher was given a uniform and even a ride in a police helicopter. His story became the inspiration for the largest wish-granting organization in the world, one which has a long history, deeply intertwined with police and fire departments, since the very beginning.
As the crowd found their seats and looked over the night’s program, arguing over which team would win the program, we met with one of the reasons for the night’s event.
Sonya Harrington of Hobart, US veteran, and stay at home mom, introduced us to Aislyn Appell.
“Aislyn has congenital heart disease,” said Harrington. “She has had two open-heart surgeries and has to have a feeding tube. Her wish is to go on a Disney cruise, and with the help of the foundation, we will be doing that this August.”
“The Make-A-Wish Foundation reached out to us and offered to help do something special for Aislyn. They’ve just been wonderful, and we’re very grateful for all they’ve done and are excited about the cruise.”
Excitement mounted as the first fighters took to the ring, with Melissa Hoffman from Prompt Ambulance Service facing off against Rachel Powell from New Chicago Fire Department in a Team Red exhibition match.
Next up was Team Blue’s turn, with Shayna Dujmovich of the Burns Harbor Police Department besting DNR Conservation Officer Nicole Baumann with a surprise knockout that quickly had the crowd on its feet.
Following the exhibitions, it was Red vs Blue for the rest of the evening, with a total of 13 bouts.
One of the proud sponsors of the event was BoBB Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Cedar Lake, Indiana.
“We put the banners up in our dealership to help advertise the event,” said Jeff Shaw Tamborrino, general sales manager of BoBB CDJR. “We helped to promote the event, helped them advertise this fight. We have a tremendous relationship with local police and fire departments, offering a special discount for them. We have a $5 million facility, with a great sales staff and terrific inventory. Scott Comar (owner of BoBB CDJR) and I believe that the best way to grow our business is through being engaged with the community. Rather than spending a ton of money on advertising, we would rather engage with the people who have helped make all this possible – the great people of our community. We’re really glad to be here.”
Also on hand for the event was Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott, who even climbed into the ring to help with the presentation of a $5,000 check from the Nancy Snider Memorial Fund. Mayor McDermott smiled and posed with Aislynn and several other children who were there to make their wishes come true.
Bout after bout, the night went on, the crowd cheering their favorites. Perhaps most thrilling was the moment when Lawrence Obregon of the Lake County Sheriff’s Department took out Brian Rancich from Whiting Fire Department with a shocking knockout blow just 42 seconds into the first round of their match.
When all the dust had settled, it was Team Blue who took the title over the firefighters, winning 7 of the 13 scheduled fights.
But the real winners last night were little Aislynn and the other children who every day of their young lives fight the toughest battle any of us will ever face, and do so with the love and grace and joy that children possess so naturally.
For more information on the Make-A-Wish Foundation, visit them on the web at http://www.wish.org.
