Police and firefighters took to the wrestling mat Saturday night in the Battle of the Shields to earn bragging rights while raising money to support fallen colleagues.

Competitors from the Orange County Fire Authority have taken part in several “submission wrestling” fundraising competitions over the past few years, taking on public safety agencies from outside the county. This year, the OCFA team invited colleagues at the Orange County Sheriff’s Department to headline the match at the Phoenix Club in Anaheim. Leading up to the main event were matches featuring Santa Ana police and firefighters.

“We thought police and fire could do something similar, and it would be a great way to raise funds for the fallen firefighters and the fallen police officers’ relief funds,” said Ken Gabrielson, coach of the OCFA team.

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