First responders hit the field in charity flag football tournament

Funds raised go toward Central Union High School's football program

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - It was touchdowns instead of sirens Saturday morning as Imperial Valley's first responders laced up their cleats for a good cause.

Hosted at Cal Jones Field in El Centro, the annual First Responders Flag Football Tournament brought together firefighters, law enforcement, and emergency crews from across the region to support Central Union High School's football program.

The event, organized by the Imperial Valley Firefighters Association, featured competitive matchups, food vendors, raffles, and plenty of community support.

"We're not on an emergency scene, but we're still working as a team," said Paul Porter, Fire Engineer with the El Centro Fire Department. "I actually played at Central about 20 years ago, so being out here again, now supporting the program, is really special."

First responders took the field alongside friends and family, while students, parents, and alumni cheered from the sidelines.

Central Union High School's head football coach, Rookie Pena, says the support from first responders means more than just dollars raised.

"They're always there for the community, and they're always at our Friday night games," Pena said. "It's an honor to have them out here on our field for a change."

The tournament also highlighted a growing concern for local football: A referee shortage.

John Seaman, president of the Imperial Valley Football Officials group, helped officiate the tournament and used the opportunity to recruit.

"Last year, we had to schedule games on Mondays and Wednesdays, sometimes even Thursdays, because we didn’t have enough refs," Seaman explained. "We need more officials to step up and join."

Tickets to the event were just $5, with all proceeds going directly to Central's football program. Organizers say they hope to continue growing the event every year, with a focus on building bridges between emergency crews and the community they serve.

"At the end of the day, it's about the kids and giving back," Porter said. "And hey, it's a lot of fun too."