Citizens Hose firefighters eschew boot drives for body slams as part of annual fundraising effort

Typical fire department fundraisers involve bingo or boot drives.

Harrison-based Citizens Hose Fire/Rescue/EMS prefers something else — body slams.

The fourth annual Battle in Birdville took place outside the station off of Burtner Road on Saturday evening.

“We were looking to do a fundraiser outside the box, outside the traditional boot drive (and) hoagie sale,” said Citizens EMS director Jim Erb. “It might not be our largest, but it’s our favorite.”

The event features megastars from local pro wrestling promotion Keystone State Wrestling Alliance. They compete in a ring right outside the firetruck bays.

Between $3,000 and $5,000 is usually raised including 50-50 raffle, concessions and silent auctions.

“KSWA is a great organization,” Erb said. “They support numerous nonprofit organizations as they raise funds for their essential functions.”

The matches

Battle in Birdville featured several title matches, including a heavyweight title bout between “Face of Pittsburgh” Lou Martin and Shawn Blanchard of Sharpsburg in which the loser would go into the dunk tank.

It was quite a contest with fans chanting for both combatants. Martin would ultimately pull off the victory with a sleeper hold — and Blanchard woke up to a watery surprise.

Hall of Famer T-Rantula continued his farewell tour with a successful tag team match with partner “The Rev.” Ron Hunt. They defeated Sin Born and The Cleveland Bruiser complete with the giant biker club-looking spider’s trademark nachos-with-cheese smash against the Browns-clad luchador.

KSWA Five Star champ and Freek Show member Man-Child successfully defended his belt, as did its ringmaster and Golden Triangle champ, Freek E. Doyle.

Several of the wrestlers came out during intermission to take photos with fans.

Cora Kobelenske of Lower Burrell was among the couple hundred KSWA Krazies in attendance. She showcased her custom white-and-blue wrestling belt and met several wrestlers.

Her mother, Courtney, said they made a connection with KSWA through a fundraiser in Monroeville for the Bruce and Carol Sammartino Foundation a few years ago.

“We love the show. It’s super fun,” Courtney said. “We’re here for the dunk tank match and we’re cheering for Lou. They’re pretty cool and they let her take pictures in the ring.”

The wrestling connection

Battle in Birdville began several years ago after John Kesicki, life member and first responder for 44 years, noticed a familiar face at a KSWA event for Pioneer Hose Company in Brackenridge.

Kesicki and Tony Trozzo, known in pro wrestling circles as “The Future” Shane Starr, both work as steelworkers at ATI.

“I talked to him at work,” Kesicki said. “We liked what we saw (at Pioneer). We figured we’d try having them for a fundraiser. This is probably the best year so far.”

He said work has become a lot more fun as a result of the wrestling connection. But Kesicki has no desire to get in the ring.

“It was fun badgering him somewhat when he’s wrestling,” Kesicki said. “They have a following that goes to all their matches.”

Several of their work friends attended Saturday’s show.

KSWA is known for supporting first responders in multiple communities. They recently had Battle in the Borough 6 at Cribbs Field in Verona.

They helped raise funds for Verona police, firefighters and Lower Valley EMS. They also have a toy drive and fan appreciation events during the holiday season.

Trozzo, 37, of Sharpsburg said fundraisers give the wrestlers extra incentive to put on a good show for a good cause.

“We have always been ‘fundraiser first,’” he said. “We try to give back as much as we can. We help out with whatever we can on our end. We always get a decent crowd here. You never know what’s going to happen until it happens.”

More information about KSWA and its upcoming events is available at kswa.net.