roanoke – A group of first responders came together in an unusual way to serve their community. They are trading their badges and uniforms for helmets and soccer pads.
The Roanoke Rampages aren't your average football team, they're made up of law enforcement officers and firefighters, and the players trade their badges and uniforms for helmets and cleats.
“The community supports us. We're not just bodies in uniform, we're actually normal human beings. We're here to play football, we're here to have fun, we're here for a purpose. ,” Roanoke Police Department K9 handler Jeff Cobb said.
The goal of the play goes beyond just touchdowns and tackles.
It's about giving back to the community. The Roanoke Rampage has supported the local organization since its first season 15 years ago.
This year, they will donate their profits to Chris's Coffee and Custard, an organization whose mission is to employ people with disabilities.
“This is one of those philanthropic endeavors that means so much to me. It allowed me to give back to the community and see how much of an impact Chris’s Custard really has on our community.” Roanoke Sheriff's Office Deputy Dawar Sahi said.
The Roanoke Rampage is part of the National Public Safety Football League, which allows people from all over the country to play football as a way to bring unity between agencies.
“There's a big rivalry, and all you hear about is police and firefighters. It's guns and hoses in nature, but Roanoke Rampage brings these two disparate organizations together, forges a bond, and… It gave us an opportunity to build a brotherhood,” said Roanoke Rampage President Jamison Ratcliffe.
After securing the win on Saturday, they will now head to Nashville to take on the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department on May 18th. They are one step closer to qualifying for the championship game on June 22nd.
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