It’s going to be a clash of heroes and a remarkable display of camaraderie and strength as Pasadena police officers and firefighters engage in a friendly boxing face-off on Saturday, Oct. 21, in front of City Hall. 

The event, aptly named “Fire vs. Police: Battle for Mental Health Sparring Demonstration,” kicks off at 2:30 p.m. with open sparring sessions for participants from various gyms in Pasadena and surrounding areas until 5:30 p.m. 

The featured sparring demonstrations involving first responders will start at 7 p.m., a city statement said.

This family-friendly event is made possible through the collaboration of the City of Pasadena and Scott Henderson, a dedicated Firefighter Paramedic for the City and the event’s founder. 

Beyond the punches and jabs, “Battle for Mental Health” aims to shine a spotlight on the mental health challenges that first responders face and highlight the importance of suicide prevention. 

Proceeds from the event will be directed towards supporting Next Rung, a nonprofit organization with a mission to address mental health issues among firefighters and first responders, offering them a beacon of hope during their often grueling line of duty.

Next Rung plays a crucial role in providing peer support counseling and offering resources for those seeking professional counseling and inpatient treatment, while at the same time ensuring complete anonymity. The organization is dedicated to helping those who bravely serve their communities.

In addition to the gripping sparring demonstrations, attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy live music provided by a DJ, participate in raffles, and savor meals from food trucks and explore various vendor booths. It’s a day of fun and community bonding while supporting a vital cause.

The inaugural Mental Health Charity Boxing Event was first held in Pasadena in 2019 as an outdoor boxing exhibition between first responders. That event raised over $31,000 and is said to have forged long-lasting bonds among the participants. The year before that, Scott Henderson and Pasadena Police Officer Brian Petrella had reportedly invited their friends for a night of friendly boxing, and that became the inspiration for the yearly competition.

For those seeking accessibility information or special assistance during the event, call (626) 744-7311 or email [email protected].

For additional inquiries or information, call the Citizen Service Center during regular business hours at (626) 744-7311.