ICFA hosts Third Annual Flag Football Tournament Fundraiser

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) - Four teams from local public service departments and two teams of locals faced off at Southwest High School this weekend, competing for bragging rights while raising money for the school's football program.

The friendly competition brought together firefighters, law enforcement officers and other public safety personnel, all united by a common goal: Supporting local youth.

In addition to the on-field action, the event made a meaningful impact off the field. A $1,000 check was awarded to a local resident to help fund his education as he works toward joining the public service field.

For both the public service workers and the Southwest High School community, the tournament represents more than just a game.

"Our goal is to help let the local youth know that we're here to support them in ways beyond emergency responses," said Captain Steven Monreal the Imperial County Fire Department (ICFD). "We want to get involved to be able to support them, raise some money for them, and hopefully encourage them to seek a career in the fire service or other public safety."

Southwest High School Principal Joe Derma said the campus community values the strong relationship with first responders.

"It's awesome. We truly support at Southwest here our first responders, our fire and our police and our government officials, so it's a great opportunity to be down here and supporting our staff and students," Derma said.

By the end of the tournament, more than $2,500 had been raised for Southwest High School's football program.