"Without it, families wouldn't have anything:" Golf tournament supports families of fallen firefighters

LISBON -- Honoring the men and women that have given their lives while protecting others can happen anywhere. A local golf course is no exception.

Dozens of people came out to Ironwood Golf Course for a competition with a bigger purpose: the Fallen Firefighters Foundation Golf Tournament.

The foundation that hosts it, supports families of those killed in the line of duty.

Participants came for the golf, of course, but also to remember firefighters that have given the ultimate sacrifice.

Before any balls were taken to the tee, more than 100 golfers took part in the ceremony honoring these heroes and showing support for their families.

Tournament Director Carrie Rydzik started the event four years ago after playing in a similar tournament for the foundation in Northern Wisconsin.

"I've always been a supporter of the foundation and I thought here's another way that I can give back is by running a tournament down here," Rydzik said. "All their money is coming in through people like us, that raise money for them, because without it, families wouldn't have anything."

Like other golf fundraisers, there are raffles, putting contests, as well as longest drive and closest to the pin winners, but the tournament does have one event that is uniquely their own.

"We also have a firefighter hole, which people have to put on a firefighter coat, our bunker gear, helmet and the gloves which are not the most dexterous," Rydzik said. "They can hit a ball, tee off, whoever gets the longest drive, it's a  50/50 raffle so you put 5 bucks in. In the end, the foundation will take 50 percent, 25 goes to the man who hit the furthest, 25 percent goes to the woman who hit the furthest."

Some had success golfing with the gear on and others, not so much. Because of what the Firefighter Driver Challenge offers, the tournament seems to keep growing.

"First year we had, I believe it was 56 golfers. We were just trying to get the word out so it was kind of a low amount but we still had a good time. This year we hit 120, so it's grown each year. This is our biggest year so far," Rydzik said.

While the event is fun for all involved, it's why the event is held that resonates with each of the participants.

"We have three line of duty families here today who I met then and now we've become a family with me," Rydzik said.

At this years tournament, they hoped to raise about $10,000 for the Fallen Firefighters Foundation.