For 32 years, Budweiser Guns ‘N Hoses has captivated both the first responder and boxing communities, bringing the two groups together in epic bouts. Just like the Gateway Arch, St. Louis proudly claims Budweiser Guns ‘N Hoses as its own monumental tradition, an awe-inspiring mainstay. It is the event to attend on Thanksgiving Eve.
Before this year’s blow-by-blows, the ceremonial Ten-Count was conducted to honor Auxiliary Officer Ricardo Davis of the Washington Park Police Department who died in the line of duty on October 27, 2018. Officer Matt Crosby, Officer Gary Glasby and Officer Ryan O’Connor, who were catastrophically injured in the line of duty, were in attendance and honored for their service.
A sold-out crowd of over 18,000 people attended the highly anticipated event to cheer on their choice of Team Red or Team Blue. We cheered on one of our own, Officer David Weinhold, son of Sgt. Richard Weinhold, EOW 10/31/00. Officer Weinhold threw his hat in the ring and represented the St. Louis County Police Department on Team Blue. During his three years of service with the department, Officer Weinhold considered one day entering the ring.
The Weinhold family has loyally made Budweiser Guns ‘N Hoses a tradition. Officer Weinhold shares, “I have attended Budweiser Guns ‘N Hoses for the past 18 years with my family. We have not missed one since the death of my father. It was always something growing up that I enjoyed, and part of me certainly thought about competing one day”. With encouragement and support from Budweiser Guns ‘N Hoses veteran, Sgt. McCann, Officer Weinhold began the tedious training process in August. “My initial goal was not to fight. I wanted to go out and train with everyone and fill in if someone needed a sparring partner. I have the utmost respect for everyone that took personal time to go to the gym and train for hours every day”.
Over time, Officer Weinhold showed signs of progress and strength, which landed him an envied spot on the fight card. “As training continued, I gained more confidence and decided to try and get on the fight card. My trainer, Officer Tim Burke, helped me every day. I was excited and nervous when I heard that I had been chosen to fight”.
Team Blue
We are very proud of Officer Weinhold’ s accomplishments and consider it an honor to watch him succeed. Officer Weinhold is sure to let people know that when they attend Budweiser Guns ‘N Hoses, they are supporting a mission that he holds dear. Prior to the fight he said, “I hope that I can go out there as a face of BackStoppers. I want people to see what their support can do, and how they can impact a life”.
The 32nd annual Budweiser Guns ‘N Hoses concluded with Team Blue claiming victory. Over $7 million dollars have been given to our cause through Budweiser Guns ‘N Hoses. As we reflect on the last 32 years of legendary support, we are deeply grateful for those that dedicate and sacrifice their time to make this event possible. We thank the fighters that train endlessly and the dedicated, record-breaking crowds that make Budweiser Guns ‘N Hoses a tradition year after year. Because of the support from the community, we can provide hope to families of fallen heroes. Thank you for contributing to our mission. We will see you on Thanksgiving Eve 2019!