While pro hockey players have been known to drop the gloves and “duke it out” from time-to-time, a charity hockey game pitting area police officers against local firefighters will give fighting a different focus on April 12 when the first responders raise funds for the Jesse “The Law” Torres Boxing Club.

In an event sponsored by the National Latino Peace Officers Association (NLPOA) Aurora Chapter, the Police vs. Fire game will culminate an afternoon of hockey that also features a Junior Varsity high school match and another that pits “squirt” teams made up of nine and ten year olds. 

The first puck drops at 2 p.m. at Fox Valley Ice Arena, 1996 S. Kirk Rd., Geneva.

Proceeds will go toward equipment for the boxing club’s new gymnasium which is slated to open later this year. 

The club is run by retired Aurora Police Officer and former professional boxer, Jesse “The Law” Torres. The new facility, donated by the Fox Valley Park District, will be adjacent to the gym’s current location at Copley II Park, 517 N. Union St., Aurora. 

Since it was established in 1998, Torres has provided hundreds of young Aurorans a safe haven from gangs and drugs through the non-profit club; while teaching them discipline, respect, and physical conditioning through the sport of boxing.

“Jesse’s boxing club had made a real difference in the lives of so many youngsters which in turn has positively affected the entire Aurora community,” said NLPOA Aurora Chapter President Sgt. Alfredo Dean. “He has also been instrumental in helping our organization with our annual boxing fund raisers which go toward scholarships for Aurora’s youth. It feels good giving back to such a dedicated role model in our community.”

General admission is $10 for adult tickets purchased in advance and $5 for children 12 and under. 

A $5 fee will be added to general admission tickets purchased at the door. Reserved seating for all ages is $15 and can be purchased through ticketriver.com and entering NLPOA in the search box on the homepage. Skybox seating and sponsorship opportunities are also available.

The NLPOA is also looking for items to raffle off throughout the day. Interested businesses and organizations can call Aurora Police Investigator Memo Trujillo at (630) 664-7750 or email nlpoaaurorachapter@yahoo.com. Information on Jesse “The Law” Torres Boxing Club can be found at http://jessethelawboxing.org.

–News Bulletin news sources