Growing Impact, Year After Year
What started as a community event has grown into a powerful force for good. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, fans, volunteers, and partners, the Fargo Force’s Hometown Heroes game, along with the Battle of the Badges events, have raised almost $685,000 to support first responders and community heroes across our region. Every dollar tells a story of equipment funded, programs strengthened, and lives impacted.
$685K+
Funds Raised
114
Grants Awarded
$10K
Raised at the First Event (2013)
$117K
Raised at the Most Recent Event (2026)
The Road to $685K+
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Funds Raised: $10,000
Grants Awarded: 1
Top Recipient: Wounded Warrior Project
Highlights: Inaugural Hometown Heroes event
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Funds Raised: $15,000
Grants Awarded: 1
Top Recipient: Wounded Warrior Project
Highlights: Fargo Fire Department had rope rappellers drop from the ceiling of Scheels Arena for the ceremonial puck drop.
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Funds Raised: $27,677
Grants Awarded: 1
Top Recipient: Wounded Warrior Project
Highlights: First year to do custom painted helmets which were sold as sponsorships and auctioned off to help raise funds
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Funds Raised: $28,321
Grants Awarded: 6
Top Recipients: West Fargo Police Department, Glyndon Rescue, Horace Fire and Rescue, Mapleton Volunteer Fire Department
Examples of Grant Impact: Ballistic shields, communication radios, fire gear, equipment & supplies, bunker gear
Highlights: First year accepting fund request applications from organizations in need of life-saving equipment, supplies and/or training.
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Funds Raised: $31,613
Grants Awarded: 7
Top Recipients: Hawley Police Department, Glyndon Police Department, Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Harwood Fire and Rescue
Examples of Grant Impact: AED units, ballistic shield, multi-hit rifle rated ballistic plates, extrication air bags
Highlights: The Bomb Squad brought out the BearCat for the ceremonial puck drop.
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Funds Raised: $43,388
Grants Awarded: 8
Top Recipients: Clay County Sheriff’s Office. Dilworth Police Department. Hawley Fire Department, Fargo Police Department
Examples of Grant Impact: Vortex rifle optics, tourniquets with pouches, combat rated helmets, AED units, mustang water rescue suits and life jackets, tactical medical kits
Highlights: Had a bagpiper out to perform during the opening ceremonies as the American flag was presented at center ice for the National Anthem.
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Funds Raised: $42,040
Grants Awarded: 9
Top Recipients: Barnesville Fire Department, Page Ambulance Service, Glyndon Police Department, Glyndon Rescue
Examples of Grant Impact: Thermal imaging device, Lifepak, AED units, LUCAS chest compression device, gas monitor & fire fighting nozzle
Highlights: Red River Regional Dispatch Center was recognized during the ceremonial puck drop, highlighting the critical role dispatchers play in supporting first responders and serving our community.
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Funds Raised: $63,321
Grants Awarded: 15
Top Recipients: West Fargo Rural Fire Department, Hawley Police Department, Argusville Fire Protection District, Glyndon Police Department
Examples of Grant Impact: AED units, four-gas monitor/detector, LUCAS chest compression system, rescue boat and life jackets
Highlights: The ceremonial puck drop honored West Fargo Police Officer Tim Brown for his lifesaving actions and commitment to public safety, recognizing the impact first responders have both on and off duty.
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Funds Raised: $81,052
Grants Awarded: 21
Top Recipients: Felton First Responders, Felton Rescue, Mapleton Quick Response Unit. Horace Fire Department
Examples of Grant Impact: Emergency extrication struts, breaching kits, gas monitor & carbon dioxide monitor, O2 monitor, AED units
Highlights: SWAT brought out their drone to deliver the puck for the ceremonial puck drop.
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Funds Raised: $116,887
Grants Awarded: 23
Top Recipients: Dilworth Police Department, Felton First Responders, Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Hawley Police Department
Examples of Grant Impact: Flexible rifle armor & armor carriers, AED units & trauma bags, Stop the Bleed trauma kits, ballistic helmets & shield
Highlights: The Wallin family participated in the ceremonial puck drop in honor of their loved one, a law enforcement officer who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. The moment served as a reminder of the risks first responders face and the families who stand behind them.
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Funds Raised: $111,951
Grants Awarded: 18
Top Recipients: Mapleton Volunteer Fire Department, Red River Regional Dispatch Center, Kindred Fire Department, Sabin-Elmwood Fire Department
Examples of Grant Impact: K12 rescue saw package, headsets, ballistic vest & helmets, adult & child AED units
Highlights: The ceremonial puck drop featured Fargo Fire Department rope rescue personnel (featuring Fargo Force mascot, Ogie). highlighting the specialized training and teamwork required to safely respond to high-angle and technical rescue emergencies.
The inaugural Battle of the Badges charity hockey game took place in December 2024 contributing $13,758 to the overall funds raised.
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Funds Raised: $117,260
Grants Awarded: 20
Top Recipients: Buffalo Area Quick Response Unit. Barnesville Ambulance, Casselton Fire, Cass County Sheriff’s Office
Examples of Grant Impact: AED units, ambulance cot upgrades, SCBA with air tanks, masks & fittings, Stop the Bleed medical equipment
Highlights: Minnesota State Trooper Zach Grover participated in the ceremonial puck drop after being recognized for his lifesaving actions during a roadway emergency. His quick response helped safely resolve a dangerous situation and protect both the driver and the public.
The second annual Battle of the Badges charity hockey game took place in December 2025 contributing $19,381 to the overall funds raised.
Record breaking year, raising the most funds in event history.