Redskins Park was full of action on Friday, as first responders from 10 counties around the Washington Metropolitan area competed in a flag football tournament as a part of the fourth annual Inova Hero Bowl.
The all-day event was a way for Inova Sports Medicine to honor EMS and fire crews that serve their communities on a daily basis.
"I think anytime you can provide a service to those that service the community, it's a good thing," said Inova athletic trainer Brett Gusman.
The teams, which spent the first half of the day in practice games for seeding before participating in an elimination-style tournament, featured teams from Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince George's, Prince William and Arlington counties. This year, the Fairfax Fyre Dawgs won for the second time in a row and were awarded trophies.
"It's just an awesome event for all first responders of different categories and different areas to come together," said Michael Volz, a first-time participant in the event. "It's a cool thing they put on each year and I hear [my teammates] telling me it looks bigger each year they come."
Gusman believes that participants feel nostalgic about coming back to the event every year. After all, they get to compete in the Redskins' indoor practice facility.
Gusman also added the event is mostly about coming together and making sure first responders know they're appreciated.
"It's also just the fun of participating against your friends and seeing if you can be the champion."
