The Backstoppers, a volunteer organization that assists the families of St. Louis metropolitan area police officers and firefighters who lose their lives in the line of duty, has received $329,201 that was raised by the 2007 Budweiser "Guns 'N Hoses."

The event was held for the 20th year on Thanksgiving Eve at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis. The 20-year total raised now is more than $2.3 million contributed to the Backstoppers since 1987, according to David Stokes, Chief Executive Officer of Grey Eagle which sponsors the event.

The contribution comes shortly after the St. Louis suburb of Kirkwood was stunned when a resident angry with city officials stormed a counsel meeting, shooting 7 people. Five Kirkwood officials and employees were killed. Among them were two members of the Kirkwood Police Department. Their families are receiving assistance from the Backstoppers.

Budweiser “Guns ‘N Hoses” drew an enthusiastic crowd of 16,178 to watch matches between boxers from metropolitan area police and fire departments. Police captured the team trophy by winning 11 of 17 bouts.

The 2,000-member Backstoppers assist the families of police officers and firefighters who perish in the line of duty. The organization covers the City of St. Louis and the Missouri counties of St. Louis, St. Charles, Jefferson, Franklin, St. Francois, Lincoln, Perry, Pike, Ste. Genevieve, Warren and Washington; and St. Clair, Madison, Monroe, Clinton and Bond counties in Illinois. The group also covers members of Troop C of the Missouri State Patrol and District 11 of the Illinois State Police.

Twelve companies and organizations were recognized during Budweiser “Guns ‘N Hoses” for major support. “Ring of Champions” members are A.G. Edwards, Ameren, Anheuser-Busch, Battle of the Badges, Marc Bulger Foundation, Clayco Construction, Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers, Emerson, Leon Uniform Company, Dave Mungenast Motorsports, Sam’s Club, Fred Weber, Inc.

Ceremonies at the November show honored two St. Louis Metropolitan Police officers, Stephen Jerabek who died February 21, 2007 of an apparent heart attack in police headquarters, and Norvelle Brown who died August 15 after being shot while on patrol.

Since the event, three more police officers in areas covered by the Backstoppers have died while on duty. Washington County (MO) Deputy Sheriff Michael Tripplet of Park Hills was killed in a traffic accident November 29. Sgt. William Biggs and Officer Tom Ballman were slain in the Kirkwood shootings February 7.

Jerry Clinton, who created Budweiser “Guns ‘N Hoses” with the late Myrl Taylor, serves as its Executive Director. “The tragic events in Kirkwood reminds us of the vital role the Backstoppers play in our region and the support they provide to the families left behind by these fallen heroes,” Mr. Clinton said. “The event also gives us a way to thank those who risk their lives every day to protect us.”

Clinton was assisted by Tournament Co-Directors Jack Martorelli and Steve Holley who coordinated volunteer officials and coaches from the St. Louis Amateur Boxing Association.