The CFD Blaze, Chicago Fire Department Football Team

The CFD Blaze are a new semi-pro football team. 2010 is their first ear, and their inaugural game is approaching on April 10th, 2010 against the CPD Enforcers. The Blaze is made up of members of the Chicago Fire Department, and the Enforcers are made up of members of the Chicago Police Department.

Both teams are members of the NPSFL, which is the National Public Safety Football League. The NPSFL are 25 teams, and all are volunteers playing for charity. As a Chicago firefighter, I am proud of how hard the teams work to raise money for charities like the Burn Camp. As a football fan, I am excited to see the inner city rivals play on April 10th, 2010 at Brother Rice H.S.

The fire department, and the police department are natural rivals. This game will not need any outside motivators. The Chicago Police Department has been in the NPSFL for 8 years, so they hold a distinct advantage over the young upstart semi-pro football team formed by the firefighters and paramedics of the Chicago fire department.

While NFL is in the off season, semi-pro football is a great way to get some gridiron action. Leagues like the Great Midwest Football League are playing competitive football. The Arena League has formed again, and the Chicago franchise is the Chicago Rush.

We would like to hear from players, coaches and fans. What is it about semi-pro football that you like, or love? I must admit, I admire the players for pursuing their passion, football. I am in awe of how hard they play.

I am inspired by the teams of the NPSFL, because the players are professionals, but not professional football players. These men are professional firemen, policemen, paramedics, emt's, correctional officers, and soldiers. Members of the armed forces are represented in the NPSFL. None of the players, coaches or administrators in the NPSFL are paid. They volunteer their time, and the money raised goes to charities that each team chooses.

Do you have a team that we could follow?