Hockey Game to Raise Funds for Fallen Watertown Firefighter's Family

Watertown Fire and Police to Face Off in Charity Match

Apr. 9, 2026 at 6:48pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors depicting the intense action and energy of a hockey game, with the players' forms dissolving into dynamic brushstrokes and splashes of paint.The charity hockey match between Watertown's first responders aims to honor a fallen firefighter and support his family's journey to a national memorial ceremony.Colorado Springs Today

The Watertown Firefighters Relief Association is organizing a hockey game between the Watertown Fire and Watertown Police departments to raise funds for the family of firefighter Matthew Callahan, who passed away from occupational cancer in 2025. The proceeds will help Callahan's family attend the National Fallen Firefighter Memorial ceremony in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where his name will be added.

Why it matters

Firefighters often face significant health risks on the job, and the loss of a colleague can be deeply felt by the entire community. This fundraiser demonstrates the tight-knit bond between first responders and the desire to support their families during difficult times.

The details

The Matthew Callahan Memorial Fundraiser hockey game will take place on Sunday, April 12, 2026 at Warrior Ice Arena in Brighton. Attendees can participate in a raffle with donated items, gift baskets, and gift cards. Proceeds from the event will go directly to helping Callahan's family travel to Colorado Springs for the National Fallen Firefighter Memorial ceremony in September.

  • The hockey game will be held on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
  • Firefighter Matthew Callahan passed away from occupational cancer on August 20, 2025.
  • Callahan's name will be added to the National Fallen Firefighter Memorial in Colorado Springs, Colorado, during the ceremony in September 2026.

The players

Watertown Fire Department

The local fire department that Callahan served with, organizing the fundraiser hockey game.

Watertown Police Department

The local police department that will face off against the fire department in the charity hockey match.

Watertown Firefighters Relief Association

The organization leading the fundraising efforts and coordinating the memorial hockey game.

Matthew Callahan

The Watertown firefighter who passed away from occupational cancer in 2025, and whose family the fundraiser is supporting.

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What they’re saying

“This fundraiser is an effort to help the family pay for their travel expenses to attend the ceremony.”

— Tony Marra, WFFRA President

What’s next

The Watertown Firefighters Relief Association is accepting donated items, gift baskets, and gift cards for the raffle that will take place after the hockey game.

The takeaway

This hockey game fundraiser demonstrates the strong community support and camaraderie among first responders in Watertown, as they come together to honor a fallen colleague and ensure his family can attend the national memorial ceremony.