Marathon Tournament Raises Over Sixty Thousand Dollars for Fire Boat Pump

Marathon saw bright skies and a strong turnout on Nov. 7 and 8 as the inaugural Marathon Fire Rescue Benevolent Wahoo Tournament brought 139 anglers across 30 boats to Oceanfront Park. Organizers said the tournament raised over $60,000 to help purchase a fire pump for the department's new fire boat, a piece of equipment officials identified as a priority for marine emergency response.

The weigh station at Oceanfront Park offered a scene of community support and clear weather conditions. The American flag flew from the extended ladder of truck 14 above the scale as anglers returned with their catches. In total anglers brought 20 wahoo, four kingfish and two blackfin tuna to the scales during the two day event.

Tournament honors celebrated both competitive and community spirit. Special awards included the George Steinmetz First Responder Award, the Jenni Cameron Lady Angler Award and the Ben Segard Junior Angler Award. Winners in the top wahoo positions included Snow Man III with captain BJ Meyer taking first place, Snow Man III with captain BJ Meyer and angler Bill Blum taking second place, and Headin South with captain Marty Lewis and angler JW Drott taking third place. The George Steinmetz First Responder Award went to Jesse Fossum of Team Valhalla. The Jenni Cameron Lady Angler Award went to Natalie Lancaster of Team Bluegrass Roots with captain PR Lancaster. The Ben Segard Junior Angler Award went to Savannah Drott of Headin South with captain Marty Lewis. Team Viva with captain Fred Kaufman and angler Todd Prince brought the biggest blackfin tuna and Bluegrass Roots with captain and angler PR Lancaster landed the biggest kingfish. Photos from the event were provided by Natalie Danko of Keys Weekly.

For residents of Monroe County the tournament offers more than recreation. Funds earmarked for the fire pump are intended to enhance the new fire boat's ability to support firefighting and rescue operations on local waterways, a critical consideration in a county defined by its islands and maritime economy. Improved marine firefighting capacity can reduce response times for fires and maritime emergencies, and can bolster safety for commercial fishers, charter crews, and waterfront businesses that underpin the local economy.

The event also demonstrated grassroots fundraising as a tool to address equipment gaps that can affect emergency services. Organizers said they are already planning next year s contest with dates to be announced, signaling continued community engagement in supporting public safety priorities.