From the Ice to the Community: Charlotte Fire Hockey Team Gives Back
Published on August 15, 2025
Members of the Charlotte Fire Hockey Team and Charlotte Fire leadership present the donation check to Fire Chief Reginald Johnson in support of the Firefighters’ Burned Children Fund.
The Charlotte Fire Hockey Team doesn’t just suit up for a single game each year. They play with a purpose, season after season. And today, that purpose came full circle as the team presented a donation to the Firefighters’ Burned Children Fund at Charlotte Fire Headquarters.
Engineer Rob Griffin, stationed at Firehouse 5 and captain of the Charlotte Fire Hockey Team, helped lead the effort from the first puck drop to the final handshake. While the team recently earned a 7 to 2 victory over CMPD in the 17th Annual Salute to Heroes Hockey Game, Griffin says that moment was just one highlight in a much bigger story.
“It’s not about one win,” Griffin said. “It’s about using the game, every game, as a platform to do something meaningful. This team plays hard all year, and the goal is always bigger than the scoreboard.”
The Charlotte Fire Hockey Team celebrates a hard-earned victory, but the real reward comes from the funds raised to support burn survivors through the Firefighters’ Burned Children Fund.
The Charlotte Fire Hockey Team participates in events across the region throughout the year, raising awareness and funds for causes that matter to the fire service and the Charlotte community. The donation to the Firefighters’ Burned Children Fund reflects that long-term commitment to service.
Today, the team gathered with Fire Chief Reginald Johnson to present the check. The funds will directly support burn survivors and their families through the Burned Children Fund’s non-medical assistance programs.
“This team represents what Charlotte Fire is all about,” said Chief Johnson. “They give their time, their energy, and their hearts to help others, on and off duty. The donation they presented today will provide support for children and families at some of the hardest moments of their lives.”
The Firefighters’ Burned Children Fund supports more than 30 chapters across North Carolina and helps fund initiatives like Camp Celebrate and burn prevention education. Each donation helps bridge the gap between injury and recovery by offering real support to children and their families.
Charlotte Fire battles for control in front of the net during one of several charity hockey games played throughout the year, turning hustle into impact both on and off the ice.
Griffin said that’s exactly why the team keeps playing. “When people come to these games, they see competition. They see excitement. But what they might not see is what happens after—the check presentations, the hospital visits, the connections we build. That’s what we’re really skating for.”
He added, “This isn’t just about hockey. It’s about being part of something that lifts people up. We talk about firehouse pride, but I’m equally proud of this team, what it stands for, and what it gives back.”
Chief Johnson echoed that sentiment. “The Charlotte Fire Hockey Team carries the spirit of the department into every arena they enter. They wear that jersey with the same pride they wear their uniform. And when they hand over a check like this, it’s not just money. It’s a message of hope and community.”
A $2,500 donation from Charlotte Fire Hockey will go toward programs that assist pediatric burn survivors and their families through recovery.
The donation is just the latest example of how Charlotte Fire members continue to serve beyond emergency response. With each game, the team brings attention to causes that support recovery, prevention, and resilience, and that commitment isn’t slowing down any time soon.
“Every dollar raised helps a child feel less alone,” Griffin said. “Every game is a chance to make a difference. And every time we hit the ice, we know exactly why we’re there.”
Charlotte Fire brings the intensity every time they hit the ice, turning fierce competition into lasting support for children and families recovering from burn injuries.