by Antoinnette Borbon
The third week of practice for law enforcement officers who will be playing against firefighters in the 42nd Annual Pigbowl is underway.
The Pigbowl was first established in 1974 and will celebrate its 42nd annual game on Saturday, Jan. 30, when law enforcement officials — known as “Hogs” — play against firefighters — known as “Hoses” — for charities. the game will be played at Sacramento State, 6000 J St., with pre-game activities set for noon and kickoff at 1 p.m.
Some of the charities include the Firefighters Burn Institute, Ronald McDonald house, Wind Youth Services, WEAVE, Cops for Kids and Families Of Survivors.
Playing this year are representatives of the Yolo County from the Davis and West Sacramento police departments along with a Yolo Narcotics Enforcement Task Force Agent, Ryan Bellamy.
More than just playing a football game, Bellamy states, “We come together each year in order to raise money for those less fortunate, those in need,”
Each officer brings his own personal inspiration and desire to make a difference in the lives of others.
“I came out to watch as a kid and knew I wanted to play the game,” stated a Sacramento Sheriff Deputy, who would only go by the name of Woods.
Fond in Woods’ memory is a game the team played at Rancho Cordova High School when losing seemed inevitable. But a last minute come-back gave officers a win. He says, “it felt like we had just won the Superbowl. Incredible!”
Woods says his favorite charity is the Sheriff’s Toy Project but he has a personal goal of reaching out to youth in impoverished areas.
“We need positive interaction with our youth so kids stay on the right path,” Woods stated.
Retired Correctional Officer Mark Langensiepen played football in college but began coaching the team of officers in 1990s. He has always been inspired by officers wanting to play a game for charity.
“My heart is on our under-priviledged youth,” he explained. “They need scructure, sports, something to do after school.”
Langensiepen has enjoyed coaching the team of officers along with coaching youth sports. His son Josh is a deputy sheriff for Sacramento County and will be playing on the team this year.
“What strikes me is the honoring of fallen officers and firefighters, it’s heartfelt,” Mark stated. “ I chose law enforcement to help people.”
Displaying a helmet with several stickers of the fallen officers, reported a Sacramento sheriff’s deputy who went only by Shawn. Shawn said he’s been plaing in the Pigbowl for 17 years.
Among the names on Shawn’s helmet were a few of his friends who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Shawn says he would like to see more money go toward the Sheriff’s Chaplain because it the program needs more counselors. He comes out each year to honor the fallen which is more important than playing the game, he said.
Josh Caton has been defensive coordinator and coaching the team for years. Caton graduated from Rio Linda High School and joined the military. He became a military police officer and later began coaching youth at Winters High School, and later at American River College. Caton currently coaches at Rio Linda High School.
“I grew up coming to the Pigbowl games and I loved it!” says Caton enthusiastically. Caton’s favorite charity is “Cops For Kids.” He says he enjoys coaching youth because of the interaction.
“I think if kids saw cops on a good basis it might lower crimes involving our youth but we need to be a positive example for youth and adults too,” he adds.
Sacramento County Deputy Sheriff Jim Walther has been playing football all his life and loves it. Walther played semi-pro for the San Jose Jaquars. He had to quit the team because of his schedule for the sheriff’s department. But he’s continued playing in the Pigbowl for 11 nears now.
His favorite charity is the American Cancer Society. Like many other officers, Walther expressed a desire to keep youth on the right path.
He says, “adolescents are the most vulnerable and if we can get kids on the right path, that is good.”
Walther’s fondest memory is that “Every year when the police and fire helicopters fly over the field with the American Flag while the National Anthem is sang, well, it just makes me cry everytime.”
Ryan Bellamy who works for the Yolo Narcotics Enforcement Task Force is one of the officers representing Yolo County.
Bellamy says he was pulled into the game by a friend in Gang Task Force. He says he was intrigued by the game and its purpose.
This year is Bellamy’s fourth year playing for the team.
“I like what the game stands for and how the community comes out to help. I take the most inspiration from the sacrafice officers make to play each year.”
Bellamy says playing football is, “just the icing on the cake. It is the comradaree and fellowship I enjoy so much but also in knowing we help make a difference in the lives of those in need.”
His favorite charity is “Families Of Survivors,” a charity for families of fallen officers/firefighters.
He adds, “we all work towards a common goal to serve, protect and keep our communities safe.”
Bellamy concludes, “I’ve played with fellow officers that have lost their lives and this is a good way to honor them and their survivors. Sharing a common goal to help those less fortunate makes the purpose of the game worthwhile and memorable.”
It is nice to see a positive story about police officers and firefighters.