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HARTFORD, Conn. — After serving their country, some veterans are left with nothing, and that’s where a group of first responders stepped in to help in Hartford on Saturday by playing in the Guns vs. Hoses hockey exhibition.
For many communities in Connecticut, first responders are the first line of defense. Police and firemen come to the rescue when things go wrong or people need help. Now, their friendly rivalry has again been put to the test for a good cause.
For the 14th time, members of local police and fire departments competed on the XL Center ice in a game of hockey to raise money for veterans in need. Morris Knight is one of those veterans.
“I came up here with nothing,” said Knight.
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As the puck dropped and the crowds cheered, it was a moment of reflection for Knight, who was homeless up until a year ago. Knight spent 10 years experiencing this, during which time he struggled to let anyone in.
Knight isn’t alone in facing these challenges. According to the Housing Assistance Council, 5.8% of veterans in Connecticut live in poverty.
In 2024, Knight turned to South Park Inn’s Veteran’s Service Program, and now in 2025, he is preparing for his first day of work at the XL Center.
“South Park literally saved my life,” said Morris. “As veterans we have a wall up… and when you let those walls down and let those people who are truly invested in your well-being, it works.”
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According to South Park Inn’s website, the shelter provides 55 beds to men and women. Since 2007, South Park Inn has had 15 Transitional Housing beds for Veterans, 10 of which are dedicated for high–barrier veterans exhibiting acute and/or active substance use and mental illness.
The Veterans Service at the Hartford-based homeless shelter was the beneficiary of this year’s Guns and Hoses hockey battle, which included two days of channeling the long-standing rivalry between fire and police departments for a good cause.
Lt. Tim George, the event coordinator, said that while the initiative is about fostering fun, it is also about helping veterans in need get the medical, housing and employment services necessary to turn their lives around.
“I was actually on the original team that started here 14 years ago… At the end of the day, it’s great satisfaction because we’re doing great work, and when we see the guys coming off the ice, they’re smiling. Even if they lost, they had a great time,” said George.
RELATED: Connecticut governor hopes to protect veterans from exploitative ‘claim sharks’
“We’re a big family-oriented organization,” said Jason Gilbert, with the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Department, “For me, it’s a blast. I get to have my brother and my son play with me. My dad, before he was retired, played with us as well… It’s just awesome to hear that someone benefitted from us playing hockey.”
Knight didn’t skate on the ice, but he left the XL Center feeling victorious Saturday.
“It’s almost like winning the Super Bowl,” said Knight. “I just want people and other veterans to know that there are people out there who care, who are invested in seeing us win.”
On average, the Guns vs. Hoses program raises roughly $4,000 over the course of two days. Since the event’s inception, organizers say it has raised nearly $90,000.
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Steffen Reals is a reporter and anchor at FOX61 News. He can be reached at SReals@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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