Deputies, Firefighters Play Hoops, Raise Money For Youth Programs

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office joined forces with the North Naples Fire Department in a basketball game to raise money for local youth programs during the inaugural Hoops and Heroes event April 1.

Sponsored by the Police Activities League, the CCSO Stars faced off against the NNFD Blaze at the North Naples Regional Park gymnasium, where the bleachers were filled with cheering fans.

Cpl. Matthew Vaill, Sgt. Brian Brennan, Cpl. Douglas Marshall, Cpl. Jason Velazquez, Cmdr. Michael Williams, Sgt. Thomas Wedlock, Cpl. Specialist Gene Meek, Sgt. Gus Santos, Cpl. Jon Russo, Cpl. Scott Freiburger, and Bailiff Assistant Robert Canady made up the Stars. The volunteer team members played an impressive game and the scores were tight until the final period when the Blaze ultimately won 39-33.

CCSO would like to give special thanks to community partners Collier County Parks and Recreation, McDonald’s, OK Koral Marketing, and Tamiami Ford/Hyundai/Mitsubishi for their support.

ABOVE: Cpl. Jason Velazquez runs the ball down the court, while Cmdr. Michael Williams, Sgt. Thomas Wedlock and Cpl. Marshall guard the Blaze.

Photo by Ashley Wooten
 

Cpl. Douglas Marshall starts off the game by trying to swipe the ball from the Blaze.

Sheriff Kevin J. Rambosk met with spectators who came out to support the effort to raise money for local youth programs.

Photos by Kristi Lester/CCSO(2)