On Tuesday June 16, 2009, A-Platoon members responded to Citizens Bank Park for the Phillies-Bluejays ball game.  Twenty Three members of A-Platoon responded and quickly set up a rehab / BBQ area, special calling the "Walkerbago" as the Command Post.  Members enjoyed ten innings of baseball and brotherhood, although the game ended in an extra inning loss for the Phightin Phil's, a good time was had by all.

Just as every May brings, another trip out west to finally grasp hold of the elusive firefighters softball championship. This year our men once again made the journey to Las Vegas, Nevada. Trying to rebound from last years last inning collapse against an inferior Corpus Christi TX squad, we squared off against Nellis AFB, a local team. After battling back and forth we finally squeaked out a 21-20 victory. Our second match up of the day was Albuquerque, NM. Taking control early we coasted to a 20-5 win. The last match of the day was Orange Co. CA. The two teams exchanged leads before we eventually opened the flood gates in route to a 25-10 trouncing. Joe Gerace went 12 for 12 on the day and Mike Patrizi 10-11. Also chipping in was Jeff Marsden with a 5-7 afternoon and Mike Wilder with some solid defense. Wednesday afternoon could be an easy one for us if we could muster two consecutive wins. First on the list was N. Richmond CA. Always a tough opponent in what are usually high scoring affairs, this team nearly came back to win last year in a game where we held a 43-11 lead. This year was no different, after Bill Stallfort pitched a great game, Ken Stackhouse won it in the bottom of the seventh with a bases loaded single, giving us a 22-21 win. Second game in the winners bracket brought us Glendale, CA for the fourth year in a row. Our old friends from California brought some new players along but the result stayed the same as we scored a 21-14 victory. Sal Paolini got the win and Tommy D came in to shut the door in the 7th. Johnny Heller went 7-8 on the day. With the two wins it put us in line to play our old nemesis from Cleveland OH. An 0-6 lifetime record against this formidable opponent from the Buckeye state didn't have us worried as we enjoyed a beautiful afternoon poolside at the Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino.

Thursday morning, bright and early, an 8am date with Cleveland. Wasting little time we jumped out to a big lead and never looked back. After 4 innings the mercy rule was enforce and we were 20-5 victors. Cruising through to the winners bracket final for the second year in a row. Clark Co NV would be our next opponent. After falling behind early our bats fell silent and we were exiled to the losers bracket to face Stockton CA for a chance to play in the championship against Clark Co. As usual no Cali team can compete with us, an 18-16 win made us 17-3 all time against Golden state opponents and more importantly got into the finals. Clark Co. jumped out to a 4-0 lead and gave us several opportunities to take control of the game but some great defense and timely hitting by the locals put us on the wrong side of the scoreboard. Although I cannot stand losing, it's a little easier when it is to a better team and on May 7, 2009 after 3 days of battle Clark Co NV was the better team. Another 2nd place finish is a great achievement but not quite what we were looking for. We will be back in 2010 for another run at the cup that has eluded us for too many years. Thanks to all that support us through our fundraisers, it is greatly appreciated and much needed. We couldn't do it without you!

On Saturday March 21st members and family from Locals 2663 and 3198 competed in the Philly Stair Climb to benefit the American Lung Association. The climb took place at the Bell Atlantic Building at 1717 Arch St. in Philadelphia which is 50 stories tall. The day had two events for firefighters, police and EMS workers. The first event was the "First Responder Challenge" where Cherry Hill's four member team competed against other first responder teams in a race to the top in plain clothes. Cherry Hill proudly took second place. The second event was a climb to the top in full turnout gear and SCBA. All team members successfully finished the full climb with gear on. Together the 12 member Cherry Hill team raised over $2,500 dollars which helped the event total of over $99,000.