Bravest, Finest and Civilians Compete

| 12 Jun 2013 | 09:59

Rain clouds made way for sun and blue skies just in time for the Second Annual Guns and Hoses Sporting Clay Shoot and Pig Roast BBQ at Andover's Hudson Farm Club on June 9. The areas bravest, finest and civilians took part in the friendly competition to see who could get the highest overall score.

Byram Township Police Ptl. John D'Onofrio and Byram Volunteer Fire Department Asst. Chief Todd Rudloff already knew each other, but decided an annual event would be a great way to have members of Byram's police and fire departments to get to know each other away from their working environments. This friendship and recognition is important, especially for newer members, since both forces respond to the same fire and accident scenes. So, in 2012 they organized their first shooting event and invited civilians to take part — creating a greater, positive impact for the community.

Before the cannon boomed to mark the start of this years competition, Dave Wecht, one of the managers who oversees the day-to-day operations at Hudson Farm Club, gave the shooters safety instructions. Wecht is a Level 1 shooting instructor that helps the Griffin and Howe Shooting School, which operates on the grounds of Hudson Farm, and runs the majority of the shooting events at the club.

"The Guns and Hoses event has more than doubled in size, with 90 shooters taking part this year," Wecht said. "It's terrific because it gets people out to meet and help support the local fire and police departments." With safety being the first priority, Wecht tended Station 1 throughout the day, helping the shooters have a good time and "break targets."

As many of the participants are skilled hunters and marksmen, some who travel to compete, most used a break-open shotgun to shoot clay disks, or 'pigeons,' as the targets in the ten station, 50-clay course. While the round disks bear no resemblance to any bird, they are launched at different heights and angles in order to simulate bird hunting. The object is to break as many disks as possible within the designated number of shots allowed.

Calling their team 'Double Zee,' the Byram Fire Department, who came in with the highest overall team score among fire departments in the 2012 competition, included shooters Bob Zimmerman Jr, Ret. Chiefs Joe Sedivy and Bob Zimmerman Sr., and current Fire Fighter, Stan Klimek, who was enjoying the day but was apprehensive, saying, "We're having a great time; it's fun, but this year there is more competition."

The Byram Twp. Police Department shooting team included Police Lt. Pete Zabita, Stephanie Garron, who is with the Cumberland County Prosecutors Office, Ret. Byram Police Sgt. Greg Gamski and his wife Tracy, all of who also appreciated the weather and the opportunity that the event provided. "It's a beautiful day and a great chance to meet fellow officers, members of local fire departments and the people of Sussex County," Gamski said. "And it further builds the bonds of cooperation between the community and members of both the Police and Fire services."

During the competition, families of the participants and other registered non-shooters were able to take a guided hike along the paved paths and trails and there was bounce-house for the younger children. After the competition was finished, a bountiful spread of delicious picnic cuisine, including a full BBQ pig roast prepared on site, was laid out by the Hudson Farm Club chef and staff.

When the tallies of all members of police and fire departments were totaled in the battle of Bravest vs. Finest, this year's win went to the fire fighters — which will be engraved on the Guns and Hoses trophy plaque for 2013.

Separate plaques were also awarded for teams and individuals with the highest overall scores. The teams who came out on top were the Newton Police, Byram Twp. Fire Department for the second year, and team 'Rent a Hoe,' who had the highest score for both the 'Civilian' category and 'Overall Team of the Event'.

Gamski had the highest individual score for police, Jody Urs was the winner among Female Shooters, and Jack Wilcock had the highest of the civilian scores.

The greatest applause went to firefighter Keil Klaver, of Stanhope, whose sharp shooting brought him home an armload of award plaques, including highest scores for male shooter, fire department individual, fire department team and overall 'Shooter of the Event.'

In addition to all of the sponsors and the Hudson Farm Club for allowing the event to take place on their grounds, the organizers were very appreciative of the participants. "I say thank you to the people for coming out and supporting us. They showed that they care about the police and fire departments in their community," says D'Onofrio.

After expenses are taken care of, the funds raised will be placed in a coffer and will be distributed to a charity and/or family in need within Byram Township.

For more photos, visit www.townshipjournal.com.