Greater Pittston police, firemen face off in basketball game to raise money for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital

YATESVILLE — For a decade, local firemen and policemen have squared off in a charity basketball game. This year, the firemen came out on top, but the children of St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital benefitted the most.

The 10th annual Guns ‘n’ Hoses event was held on Saturday, April 16 at the Pittston Area High School. Proceeds from the event go to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital. Over the past decade, the event has raised nearly $25,000 for the charity. This past event raised almost $2,000, with donations still coming in.

The firemen won the game, Duryea Chief of Police Nick Lohman said.

“The real winners are the children at St. Jude’s,” he said. “We play and have fun while raising money. That’s something I believe in 100 percent.”

The event was created by Lohman and Avoca Fire Department Lt. Chris Collins years ago. The two wanted to start something, but were thinking about just a game. Later, the pair decided to make it a charitable function and the event has been successful ever since.

Lohman said they picked basketball because many of the participants have played in high school.

The chief also said this may be the last year of the event. He said there is a lot of work involved and he currently has two children who are both involved in sports.

“A lot of the firemen are younger and the policemen are getting older,” he laughed.

In the end, it’s been a rewarding experience for him.

“Giving back to the community is one of the things I’ve always tried to do,” he said. “I like people to see us not as police officers, but as here to help any way we can.”

There is still time to donate, Lohman said. To make a donation, send a check payable to St. Jude’s Research Hospital, attn. Chief Lohman, to Duryea Police Department, 315 Main Street, Duryea, PA 18642.

On Saturday, April 30, Five Guys Burgers and Fries on Mundy Street in Wilkes-Barre will donate 100 percent of its profits to the charity if customers bring in the appropriate flyer. To retrieve the flyer, visit the Facebook page Guns ‘n’ Hose Charity Basketball Game for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Eight-year-old Leah Gardvalla of Luzerne practices her routine with the West Side Starz Dance Team.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web1_PSD042416CharityBball_6.jpgEight-year-old Leah Gardvalla of Luzerne practices her routine with the West Side Starz Dance Team. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch

Guns ‘n’ Hoses co-founder Chris Collins from Avoca Fire Department, right, chats with teammate Josh Selemba from Scranton Fire Department before the charity basketball game at Pittston Area High School.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web1_PSD042416CharityBball_1.jpgGuns ‘n’ Hoses co-founder Chris Collins from Avoca Fire Department, right, chats with teammate Josh Selemba from Scranton Fire Department before the charity basketball game at Pittston Area High School. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch

Mike Carey of Pittston Township Fire Department, right, is introduced as teammate Tony Rinieli waits at mid-court.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web1_PSD042416CharityBball_2.jpgMike Carey of Pittston Township Fire Department, right, is introduced as teammate Tony Rinieli waits at mid-court. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch

Nashville recording artist Dani-elle of Jermyn sings the national anthem prior to the 10th annual Guns ‘n’ Hoses charity basketball game.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web1_PSD042416CharityBball_3.jpgNashville recording artist Dani-elle of Jermyn sings the national anthem prior to the 10th annual Guns ‘n’ Hoses charity basketball game. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch

Duryea Mayor Keith Moss tosses the ball to start the 10th annual Guns ‘n’ Hoses charity basketball game.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web1_PSD042416CharityBball_4.jpgDuryea Mayor Keith Moss tosses the ball to start the 10th annual Guns ‘n’ Hoses charity basketball game. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch

Duryea Police Chief and Guns ‘n’ Hoses co-founder Nick Lohman looks to pass.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web1_PSD042416CharityBball_5.jpgDuryea Police Chief and Guns ‘n’ Hoses co-founder Nick Lohman looks to pass. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch