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Firefighters, deputies lining up for charity arena football game

By LIANE SMITH (Contact)

Saturday, January 27, 2007

Last year firefighters from several Lee County agencies played arena football against members of the Lee County Sheriff's Office for charity — and won.

This year, on Feb. 3, the groups will meet again at the Germain Arena to battle it out in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere where children under 10-years-old get in free. Everyone else can pay $10 to see the game.

"It's like a true arena game," said Rob Medina, of Estero Fire Rescue. "Full contact — we've got helmets, shoulder pads, referees, scoreboards, and announcers."

This year's game will benefit two local families fighting their own battles. The Sheriff's Office will be playing for the Felix Romano Trust Fund — for the family of Sgt. Felix Romano, who died on the way home from last year's game, leaving behind a wife, daughter and son. His children, in college, will benefit from the trust fund.

Sgt. Jimmy Magas, with the Lee County Sheriff's Office, teamed up with Medina to rename this year's game.

"It's the 2007 Felix Romano Charity Bowl," Magas said.

The firefighters will play for Anthony LaBruzzo, a Fort Myers Fire Department firefighter who was recently diagnosed with cancer.

The game, which generally lasts about 2½ to three hours, is all about speed, with an ongoing clock.

"It's eight on eight. It's a lot faster game," Medina said. "I think it's a lot more exciting because of the speed of the game."

Last year, the first time fire departments participated in the game with the Sheriff's Office, about 28 firefighters showed up to try out. All 28 were kept to form the team. This year, the firefighters had almost 50 at tryouts.

"We had to make cuts," Medina said.

According to Medina, out of all the south Lee County fire departments who participate, there are about 350 to 400 employees. The sheriff's department, he said, has close to 1,200.

"In that aspect, we're always the underdog," Medina said.

Magas said: "Of course, we always think we're going to win, but our main goal is to have a safe game that no one gets injured, and to have an entertaining day."

According to Magas, the football game gives the community a chance to see a different side to law enforcement and firefighters.

"We want kids to continue to admire firefighters and the Sheriff's Office," Magas said.

The game also gives the groups something to talk about when they see one another one the job, or out on an emergency call.

"It builds great camaraderie between us and the fire department," Magas said. "It helps us get through things."

Just like a regular arena football game, concession stands will be open at next Saturday's game.

Beginning at about 5:30 p.m., on the south side of the Germain Arena in the parking lot, both fire department and law enforcement agencies from throughout the county will have emergency vehicles on hand to view.

At 6:30 p.m., the doors will open to the Germain Arena, and shortly before the 7:30 p.m. kickoff, a small dedication will be held on the field for the Romano family. The game will also have a half-time show with stand participation with children.

"This, hopefully, will be our biggest and best one ever," Magas said, adding he hopes to attract 4,500 to 5,000 to this year's game.

Want tickets? Want to meet the players?

• Stevie Tomatoes in Fort Myers and Cape Coral; Leapin' Lizards (at the foot of the Cape Coral Bridge); and Stoney's Sports Bar in Estero will be selling tickets ahead of time. Also, tickets will be available at the door.

• On Jan. 31, Stoney's Sports Bar will host an autograph session with the Bonita Springs Firefighters for their 2007 calendar. The calendars are $10 and proceeds benefit local charities.

• On, Feb. 1, Leapin' Lizard will host a block party for the event beginning at 6 p.m.

• The Germain Arena is located in Estero, off Ben Hill Griffin Parkway, at 11000 Everblades Parkway. Call (239) 948-7825 for more information.