Essex Fire Vs. Amherstburg Fire hockey game creates community connection

Essex Fire Vs. Amherstburg Fire hockey game creates community connection

by Essex Free Press Staff

When Essex Firefighter Shawn Spina heard about the Battle of the Badges charity hockey game that had the Windsor Police Service take on Windsor Fire & Rescue Services earlier this year, it got him thinking about hosting a similar event in Essex.

  His goal was to create community connections, collect some non-perishable food donations for the Essex Area Food Bank and the Amherstburg Mission, and provide a fun night out for families.

  After watching that Police versus Firefighter game at the WFCU Centre, Spina connected with Amherstburg Fire’s Training Officer, Nick D'Amore, who officially got the ball – or the puck – rolling. Within just a few days, he had a team up and running, setting up an Essex Fire vs. Amherstburg Fire hockey game.

  Spina’s initial plan was to see if a couple of teams could be put together for a pick-up game. And things kind of took off from there.

  “I reached out to the guys, and a lot of the guys were interested,” Spina explained.

A full game took place on Friday at the Essex Arena instead.

  “I believe it was a great success,” he added. “It was a wonderful opportunity for us to give back to the community we serve, while also being an incredible team-building experience for all of us involved.

  “I think it is important to get involved as a fire department, but in a team atmosphere outside the fire department.”

  He was also focused on giving back to the community and hoped for a great crowd in the stands for the inaugural match-up.

  The game – quick paced, with lots of action in front of the net and plenty of physicality.

  Going into the third period, Amherstburg had a two-goal lead, on which Essex closed the gap – causing fans in the stands to erupt in what became a bit of a nailbiter. Amherstburg, however, rebounded, scoring two more late in the third – including an empty-netter – to take the game, 10-8.

  Former Essex Fire Chief Ed Pillon dropped the ceremonial puck to get the game going. Pillon first suited up for the Malden Fire Department in 1968, where he remained on the roster until 1974. He then served with the Harrow Fire Department, which became part of Essex Fire & Rescue through amalgamation in 1999. He took the helm of the local Fire Department as Fire Chief in 2006 and served in that capacity until he retired in 2014.

  Getting to drop the puck for a game between Amherstburg Fire and Essex Fire was especially special to Pillon, as he technically served for both services, as Malden is now amalgamated with Amherstburg.

  Having the opportunity to drop the puck was a privilege, Pillon noted, adding it was nice to see everyone gather together for a social event instead of responding to a crisis.

  Essex Fire is in good shape, the former Chief added, even though it is under pressure to ensure all Firefighters are certified.

  His son, Jason, is the current Essex Fire Chief. He said the hockey game was a great event that wasn’t just about the Firefighters; it was about the family and friends in the stands who came out to show support.

  Though it was a competitive game, Firefighters work together and are all friends, regardless of the team or department to which they serve.

  Assistant Deputy Fire Chief Jim Meloche used the opportunity to set up a public education station, connecting with families about fire safety and prevention, creating a positive atmosphere and connection between youths and Essex Fire. 

  Already, ideas are in the works for next year, as Spina hopes to make this an annual event. Perhaps it could evolve into a tournament with more area fire departments involved, knowing the Kingsville Fire Department played Lakeshore’s this winter, also.

  Spina joined Essex Fire & Rescue around two-years ago. Getting the inspiration to put on a community event of this magnitude was natural for the still fairly new recruit to the Essex Fire roster.

  All his life, Spina has been a competitive athlete, so getting people involved was second nature. 

  “It wasn't just me, it was a team collaboration,” he said. Since everyone was involved, organizing the game was fairly easy to do, especially with the support from the Fire Chiefs, Spina said.

  He was appreciative to the Fire Chiefs and all the volunteers for helping make the game a go.

  Spina hoped the game was a positive experience for the community.