Turkey Bowl benefits Auburn Food Bank and local families

The Auburn Police Department and the Valley Regional Fire Authority played in the 2024 Turkey Bowl, all for the cause of charity.

On Nov. 30, the APD and the VRFA held their yearly football game to raise donations for the fire department’s Toys for Kids event. Admission to the event was free, though the Valley Professional Fire Fighters Local 1352 Union, who hosted the event, asked that attendees donate canned goods or money. The Toys for Kids event is done in collaboration with the Auburn Food Bank to deliver gifts to hundreds of families in the community.

According to APD spokesperson Kolby Crossley, this event has gone on for years, with a short intermission when the COVID-19 pandemic began. Crossley said it was brought back last year, and APD won the game. Although APD brought home a win last year, Crossley said VRFA won the game 49-14 this year.

“It’s just a fun event where we can get the police officers, the firefighters, and the first responders in our community out together, interacting, getting to know each other,” Crossley said. “We worked hand in hand with each other a lot during the year, and it’s nice to be able to get out and connect with each other, especially outside of work hours, and to really kind of bond with each other.”

Crossley said police officers and the firefighters enjoy the event, and citizens enjoy it too, with about 40 people in attendance at this year’s game.