The New Hampshire Fisher Cats, Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, and the Fisher Cats Foundation announced a donation of $9,166.16 to benefit law enforcement agencies in New Hampshire today. The donation was generated through the team’s June 21 Law Enforcement Night, an annual event that began in 2007 to recognize the hard work and sacrifice of law enforcement officers in our community. This year’s event also recognized the Officer Michael Briggs Community Hero, a distinction that’s been awarded at the Fisher Cats Law Enforcement Night since Manchester officer Michael Briggs was killed in the line of duty in the fall of 2006.
“This is one of the most meaningful and rewarding nights for our staff and fans at the ballpark each season,” said Rick Brenner, Fisher Cats president. “Hosting this event and raising this money is a small way we can show our appreciation for their service and sacrifice each day.”
The donation represents fifty percent of ticket sales since Law Enforcement Night was announced on May 1, as well as the silent auction of commemorative jerseys worn by the team during the game. Combined with additional fundraising elements, including a bake sale, 50/50 raffle, and the auction of an autographed photo of Boston Bruins legend Cam Neely, money will be donated to the families affected by the Manchester and Greenland incidents this spring. The proceeds of the jersey auction, as they have since the initial Law Enforcement Night, will benefit the Manchester Police Athletic League.
Prior to the game, Governor John Lynch was awarded the Officer Michael Briggs Community Hero Award from Manchester police captain Richard Reilly. The governor was recognized for his staunch support of New Hampshire’s law enforcement since he took office in 2005. In his final term in office, Governor Lynch was also presented with a lifetime membership as a good and honorable citizen to the New Hampshire Police Association by Sergeant David Young of the Lebanon Police Department.
Pre-game ceremonies were attended by representatives of the Manchester and Seacoast law enforcement agencies. Manchester officer Dan Doherty, who was shot and injured in the line of duty in March, threw out a ceremonial first pitch. Family members and friends stood in for the officers who were injured in the Greenland incident in April that resulted in the death of Greenland Chief of Police Michael Maloney.
The Fisher Cats began hosting Law Enforcement Night in 2007 after the death of Officer Briggs the previous fall. Officer Briggs’ badge number, 83, is retired on the right field wall at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium as a commemoration of his ultimate sacrifice to keep his community a safe place to live.
This article originally appeared on the Fisher Cats’ website.
