The Guns ‘N’ Hoses battled it out Saturday night for bragging rights inside Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena … but the ‘Guns’ are the champions.
Both sides wanted to take home the win, but firefighters and police officers said after the event that they’re ready to continue to work together to keep our communities safe in honor of officers such as Sgt. Jerry Haddock.
#happeningnow Say hello to our
— Courtney Cole (@CourtneyANJax) April 21, 2018
first-year firefighters and police officers (and some of their trainers) participating in Guns ‘N’ Hoses tonight. @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/WIHIVMp7Ln
Whether you came out on Saturday to root for the ‘Guns’ or ‘Hoses’ -- Luther Baker of Fire Squad 14, the first winner of the night from the ‘Hoses’ team, says at the end of the day -- they’re all family in the end.
“We have to work together and put our talents together so we can get the job done. That works well for a family," said Baker.
Luther Baker told us he trained long and hard for the first win of the night. #GunsNHoses Hear from him tonight on @ActionNewsJax at 10 & 11. pic.twitter.com/YTdF0Qdzcp
— Courtney Cole (@CourtneyANJax) April 22, 2018
That became clear when the crowd stopped, stood and cheered in memory of Orange County Corrections Officer Haddock.
Haddock’s family was brought to tears as his robe and a championship belt were bought out in his honor after the third round of fights.
You can hear the crowd about “Jerry” in his memory as the family of Sgt. Jerry Haddock steps outside of the ring. @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/YmPl656oaL
— Courtney Cole (@CourtneyANJax) April 22, 2018
This year would have been Haddock’s fifth year participating in the Guns ‘N’ Hoses Boxing Charity event.
He was a three time champion in the ring, as well as champion of his community outside the ring—serving as a mentor to the youth.
Thanks to the help of Mayor Lenny Curry, the city of Jacksonville will be able to keep Haddock’s legacy alive for many years to come as Curry officially declared April 21st as Sergeant Jerry Haddock Day.
Cox Media Group