Firefighters and police officers compete to raise money for S.A.F.E. House

The Henderson Professional Fire Fighters and the Henderson Police Officers' Association are preparing to compete in the upcoming S.A.F.E. House benefit by having a little bit of fun and slinging a little bit of trash talk.

The third annual Run for Shelter 5K run and 1-mile fun walk is slated for 9 a.m. Saturday at the Henderson Events Plaza, 200 S. Water St., to raise money and awareness for S.A.F.E. House, which helps victims of domestic violence.

To further help the cause, firefighters and police officers have placed a small wager to see which agency has better physical fitness.

Dan Pentkowski, president of the firefighters' association, said he is confident in his team.

"If you look at firefighters, we are already in great physical shape," Pentkowski said. "It's clear we will come out victorious. But having a well-established team (like the Henderson Police Officers' Association) come in second place is always a good thing."

Norm "Doc" Halliday, president of the p olice o fficers' a ssociation, disagrees.

"Losing isn't an option for us," Halliday said.

Not all conditions have been established for the winners and losers.

Both parties speculate that the losers will have to wear a funny shirt at selected events honoring the winning team.

"It might be a T-shirt like, 'God made firefighters so police officers can have a hero,' " Pentkowski said.

Teams, so far, have between eight and 10 people who must run the distance in the best time.

Councilwoman Gerri Schroder is expected to referee the event.

All teasing aside, the associations wanted to come together to show the community that everyone needs to get behind this event.

"We hope that when people see us (the firefighters and police officers) getting involved, they will want to be supportive, too," Pentkowski said.

Pentkowski said collaboration between the two entities for past campaigns such as child drowning prevention month and car safety has had better responses.

The teams hope the same community response will trickle down to one of S.A.F.E. House's biggest fundraising events.

In addition to the competition, each team has donated $500 to S.A.F.E. House.

But as much as fundraising is important, both teams hope to gather community support and educate people about S.A.F.E. House and domestic violence.

"So many houses are under stress nowadays, which is causing an increase in domestic violence," Pentkowski said.

Halliday said police officers usually deal with the aftermath of domestic violence.

By attending this event, they hope to engage families before abuse starts .

"It is good to be preventative, not just reactive," Halliday said.
The event is open to the public. The cost for registration is $25.

The event also is expected to have family-friendly activities, food and local bands and artists.

For more information, visit safehouse.org.

Contact Henderson/Anthem View reporter Michael Lyle at mlyle@viewnews.com or 387-5201.