First responders of Martha’s Vineyard will battle for bragging rights on the ice on Saturday, March 22 for the annual police department versus fire department hockey game.

All proceeds go to the MV First Responders Fund in support of Harbor Homes of Martha’s Vineyard, which provides help for low income individuals and those affected by homelessness.

The tradition started in 2017 and has since expanded to include other aspects of the community. In the past, the youth hockey program has participated in-between periods. This year, figure skaters will perform routines during intermissions.

The teams themselves have expanded in personnel, according to Oak Bluffs Det. Timothy Millerick.

“It’s not just police and fire,” he said. “It’s the hospital staff as well as pharmacists, harbormasters, making it a bigger event for everybody involved.”

Each year, the teams choose to partner with a different charity or organization to raise money.

“We change it every year to try to give to as many charities within the community that we can,” Mr. Millerick said.

Partnering with Harbor Homes was a purposeful choice.

“We deal with people who are unsheltered probably every day,” Tisbury Sgt. Max Sherman said. “It’s a great organization that has helped us try to find placement for some of these people. It’s a lot of work, and they don’t do it for the money, and I think they need to be rewarded with some attention and thanks for all they do.”

While the hockey game is competitive for both departments, camaraderie and teamwork is the common denominator on the ice.

“It’s nice just to try to take a break and not see everyone in a working environment and try to get out and have some friendly rivalry and competition between each department,” Mr. Millerick said.

The game is impactful for everyone involved, according to Mr. Sherman.

“It’s a great community event that everybody comes to and uses the rivalry between police and fire to root for their side and cheer us on,” he said. “To humanize the badge a little bit, just to say we’re part of this community and we have families [is important for us]. This game is just as much for us as it is for the community.”

The MV Police vs MV Fire hockey game will be held Saturday, March 22 at 5 p.m. at the Martha’s Vineyard Ice Arena.