Yuma’s first responders compete in charity flag football game

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Yuma firefighters and police officers traded in their uniforms for football jerseys as they took the field for the inaugural Heroes on the Turf Flag Football Battle at Ricky Gwynn Stadium at Yuma Catholic.

The event, organized by Arizona Gunslingers Football Academy and Hunter's Army, brought the Yuma Fire Department (YFD) and Yuma Police Department (YPD) together for a friendly competition while raising money for two local nonprofits.

Organizers said the idea came from bringing back a tradition of police and fire facing off in athletic competitions while creating an opportunity to support the community.

"I started thinking about the good old days when the firemen used to play the policemen," said Arizona Gunslingers founder Rhett Stallworth. "And I'm like we got to get this going."

Proceeds from the game will be split between the two organizations. Arizona Gunslingers provides football camps and scholarships for local athletes working toward playing at the next level, while Hunter's Army supports families in Yuma County battling childhood cancer.

"We naturally have a rivalry between police and fire, but it is a rivalry of who can help the community the best," YPD Chief Thomas Garrity said.

On the field, YFD jumped out to a 24-0 lead by halftime and held off a late YPD comeback to secure a 24-21 victory.

Despite the final score, organizers said the biggest win came from the community support, with a packed stadium helping raise funds for local families and young athletes.

Hunter's Army founder said the goal is to make the event an annual tradition and eventually expand it to include other first responder agencies.

Since 2021, Hunter's Army has provided nearly half a million dollars to local families facing childhood cancer.

Meanwhile, Arizona Gunslingers continues to support young athletes through football training and scholarship opportunities.