ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando Fire Department Lt. Philip Graziani said his hockey team is bringing their “A game” to the ice in honor of Lt. Jeff Huggins.
“This game tomorrow is for him and his family to show the support,” Graziani said.
Huggins suddenly passed away in April after serving in the department for 13 years.
“By the time I met Jeff when he was about 16 years old, all he wanted to do was be a firefighter for the City of Orlando Fire Department and 13 years ago that came true for him,” Graziani said.
While Huggins didn’t play hockey, the sport signifies something else for his brothers which is why the Orlando Firefighters Hockey Club is raising awareness for those who are struggling with mental health.
Graziani also added that September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month.
“We talk about PTSD and our first responders and those traumatic events that unfortunately go undiagnosed for a period of time and we really don’t know what those signs and symptoms are if we are not educated on it,” Graziani said.
Graziani said the team will play against the Central Florida Enforcer, a team made up with officers and deputies.
The game is set to take place on Saturday, Sept. 28, at the Orlando Ice Den in Maitland at 4 p.m.
It’s $5 per person and all the proceeds will go towards the Huggins family.
“We really want to honor him and show that his legacy will live on through all the guys he’s touched,” firefighter Bruce Mase with the Clermont Fire Department said.
For more information click here: https://ofdhockey.com/lt-huggins-memorial-game