Kyle Odom with the Soddy-Daisy Fire Department and HCSO officer Blake Kilpatrick compete during bout 3 of the Guns and Hoses charity boxing event held at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s McKenzie Arena.
Local law enforcement officers were looking for redemption this year after losing the last few years in total matches in the annual Guns & Hoses boxing bouts with area firefighters and paramedics.
“I feel all right, I guess. Nervous. I’ll do my best,” said Chattanooga police Officer Kelly Downs, who was standing outside the ring before the bouts began. Downs was scheduled to fight Hamilton County Emergency Services’ Kayla Morrison in the event’s only female fight.
“I’m just going to go hard swinging,” Downs said.
The proceeds from the event held at McKenzie Arena go to Y Community Action Project and the Forgotten Child Fund. The charities split the funds raised.
Clay Ingle, spokesman for the Forgotten Child Fund that provides needy families with toys for children on Christmas Eve, said the event raises public awareness.