Submitted by Fox First at Ten on November 8th
**Official Press Release From Spokane Chiefs**
SPOKANE, Wash. - The Spokane Chiefs will host the Annual Spokane Police Department versus Sheriff's Office Hockey Game in the Spokane Arena on Saturday afternoon helping raise funds and awareness for the Behind the Badge Foundation. Gates to the Arena will open at 4:30 p.m. with the game beginning at 5:00. Admittance to the law enforcement benefit game is free with a ticket to the Staples Team Poster Giveaway later that night when the Chiefs host the Portland Winterhawks at 7:05 p.m. The Behind The Badge foundation was created to honor the sacrifices of officers like Kurt Henson who have suffered a line of duty death or catastrophic injury. Officer Henson was killed in a motorcycle accident earlier this year. He served in three communities in three different states throughout his career; the City of South Gate, California as a police officer for four years, Kootenai County, Idaho for eight years as a deputy sheriff, and for the City of Spokane, Washington for over 12 years. During the game the Chiefs' organization will recognize two other Spokane County Deputies who were injured in the line of duty in June. Deputies Mike Northway and Mike Spink were on duty when they became involved in an armed conflict with a wanted felon. During this incident both Northway and Spink suffered serious injuries from gun shot wounds. Both are still recovering from their injuries with the intent of returning to their chosen profession in a full duty capacity. The recovery process is an arduous process, both physically and mentally but is made a little easier with the assistance of organizations like Behind the Badge. The Spokane Chiefs will be holding a silent auction with proceeds going to Behind The Badge and Chiefs' Care. Special Police/Sheriff's hockey t-shirts will also be on sale during the two games. Donations will be accepted at Law Enforcement tables on the concourse. A pre-game ceremony will be conducted prior to the Chiefs' game to recognize the Behind The Badge Foundation. To purchase tickets for these two events please call (509) 535-PUCK (7825) and mention the Law Enforcement Hockey Game.
