Face-off for BackStoppers

By Casey Nolen

KSDK -- Police officers and fire fighters from the East Central Fire District in St. Louis County faced off on the ice against St. Louis City firefighters Friday night.

The goal was to raise money for the BackStoppers organization which supports the families of fallen fire fighters and police officers.

They also played to honor the memory and support the families of Maplewood firefighter Ryan Hummert and St. Louis firefighter Leonard Riggins, both of whom were shot and killed in 2008.

"Not a day goes by that we don't think about Ryan and his family and what a tough time it's been for them and here at the fire house, too," said Maplewood Fire Chief Terry Merrell.

Chris Gibbons, a dispatcher for East Central, helped organize the hockey game between the two teams of public servants.

He said another aim of the event was to show support for those on duty when the shootings happened.

"The policemen and fire fighters and dispatchers that were working that day are still suffering," Gibbons said.

The event raised more than $5,000.