Police, fire department in Kettle Showdown for first 'Guns-N-Hoses'

There is trouble brewing along the Fox River Valley as the St. Charles Police Department challenges the St. Charles Fire Department in a bellringing showdown Saturday, Dec. 19, at the Blue Goose Supermarket, 300 S. Second St. in St. Charles.

Appropriately called "Guns-N-Hoses," volunteer bellringers from both city entities will man The Salvation Army red kettles in support of the Tri-City Corps from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. At the east door of the Blue Goose Supermarket will be personnel from the St. Charles Fire Department and at the west door will be personnel from the St. Charles Police Department. Lt. Betsy Clark, commanding officer for The Salvation Army, says, "We are grateful to both the police and fire departments, not only for the service they provide year-round, but for their special effort to help The Salvation Army help families at this critical time of year."

The organizer of this event, John Arthur Anderson, St. Charles Township supervisor and advisory board member of The Salvation Army, would love to see this become a yearly tradition. He would also love to see the municipalities of Geneva and Batavia participate next year and would extend the challenge to them as well. Money raised by both the police and fire departments of St. Charles will support the red kettle campaign goal of $140,000 for The Salvation Army Tri-City Corps Joe K. Anderson Community Center. As of last Saturday, the campaign has raised $132,935 or 94 percent of the goal. There are seven days left in the Christmas campaign this year.

"We know this Saturday will make a big impact on reaching our goal and we are excited to see the friendly competition between the local police and fire departments," said Lt. Clark.

Volunteers are needed to help fill open spots throughout the Tri-City area until Dec. 24. Individuals, groups, churches, businesses, service clubs and families are encouraged to signup online at www.registertoring.com or call Deanna, volunteer coordinator, at (630) 377-2769, ext. 201.