Guns N' Hoses is Back: Firefighters Break Police Winning Streak in Hockey Showdown
The ice was hot, and the competition fierce yesterday as Omaha's bravest and finest faced off in the annual Guns N' Hoses Hockey Challenge. This year's event marked a historic turning point. This year was the 1st time The Omaha Fire Department won this game for the first time since fundraiser began, finally ending the Police Department's long-standing winning streak. "The rivalry is always intense, but it's all in good fun and for an incredible cause," said Captain Mike Reynolds of OFD. "We've been waiting for this win for years, and it feels amazing to bring home the trophy finally."
The rivalry was reignited in Sunday's showdown at the arena, as both departments brought their A-game in what has become one of Omaha's most anticipated charity events. Players traded their uniforms for hockey gear, but departmental pride remained displayed as they battled for year-long bragging rights.
Today we wanted to recognize an honorable tradition of service and sport. The Guns N' Hoses Hockey Challenge began in the early 2010s as a friendly match between a few hockey enthusiasts from both departments. Over the years, the event has grown substantially, moving from small community rinks to larger venues as public interest increased. Many people don't know about the game's humble beginnings as an informal game between 1st responders who love playing hockey and how organizers recognized this game's potential to support first responder causes. The friendly game evolved into a formal charity event and fierce rivalry that’s intensified with each passing year, as the police department established an impressive winning streak that, ended yesterday with a firefighter win.
Most importantly and impressively, the first responders have raised over $500,000, because of this game. It's become a tradition that supporters look forward to each year and showcases the community spirit of our first responders while providing crucial support to their families.
Now, the cherished Omaha event has become more than just a game. While the competition on the ice was fierce, the true winner was the First Responders Foundation, which benefits from this annual fundraiser. "It's our biggest fundraiser of the year, so we can keep supporting the first responders, veterans, and families in the area," said Todd Sears, president of the First Responders Foundation. Local emergency service personnel and their families benefit directly from the various programs and assistance initiatives these funds support.
The police department had maintained an undefeated record since the event's inception, making Sunday's upset victory even sweeter for the firefighters. After years of coming close, the fire department finally claimed the title with a nail-biting finish that had the crowd on their feet. While breaking the streak.
"We'll hear about this until next year's game," joked Sergeant James Wilson of OPD. "But that's what makes this rivalry special. We'll be back next year ready to start a new winning streak."
The community support for this game is impressive, as crowds packed the stands. First responder families, supporters, and colleagues created an exciting atmosphere. Kids waved signs as they cheered for their favorite departments, and the noise reached "Blues" levels during the final minutes.
After the game, attendees told media outlets about how the event showcases the best of Omaha's community spirit, bringing together different departments that work side by side during emergencies to celebrate their service.
After this year's upset, the table for next year's rematch is already set. The police department will seek to reclaim their title, while the firefighters hope to start a winning streak.
I'm excited that the event keeps growing, getting bigger and bigger every year. It's so much fun. Todd Sears added. "We're grateful to everyone who came out to support these incredible first responders and the work they do every day for our community.
As the players shook hands at center ice after the game, it was clear that while the rivalry remains intense, the respect between Omaha's first responders runs deep—a fitting reminder of the teamwork that keeps our community safe year-round.
For more information about the First Responders Foundation or to donate, visit their website at firstrespondersfoundation.org
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