Meet the Heroes: First Responder Golf Challenge Teams – Catskills NY Event 2025
The 2025 First Responder Golf Challenge brings together the bravest in our communities—firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and emergency leaders—for a friendly yet powerful showdown on the green. These men and women put others first every day—and now they’re stepping up again, competing to support youth aging out of foster care.
Held during the Grateful Hearts Celebrity Charity Golf Tournament at Resorts World Catskills, each team represents a local department. Come cheer them on. Their swing is for something greater.
Fallsburg Police Department
Golfers:
Officer Joseph Asprea
Detective Kyle Geraine
Honoree:
Chief Brenden Pavese – Honored for steadfast leadership and continued service to the Fallsburg community.
Liberty Police Department
Golfers:
Andrew Cross
Matt O'Keefe
Brandon Pursell
Honoree:
Patrolman Sheldon J. Zweck – End of Watch: 02/27/1965. A fallen hero whose memory remains a guiding light in the department.
Monticello Fire Department
Golfers:
Stanley Gilmore
Keith Kurthy
Honorees:
Tom Kurthy – A 67-year active volunteer whose lifelong service inspired generations of firefighters, including his own son.
Jim Bickham – A 50-year department veteran whose legacy of mentorship lives on through the Jimmy Bickham Award for community dedication.
Newburgh Police Department
Golfers:
Matt Nadolny
Adam Geyer
Honoree:
Sgt. William E. "Bill" McLean III – Badge #63. Recognized for years of dedicated service to Newburgh's law enforcement community.
New York State Police
Golfers:
Sgt. Connor Maloney
Sgt. Cory Quimby
Lt. Ross Hansen
Sgt. Adrian Szlejter
Lt. Dennis Carolan
Trooper Andrew Russian
Trooper Dylan Kelly
Trooper Nicholas Kraft
Honorees:
Sergeant Jeffry T. Edelson – Killed in the line of duty in 2003 while pursuing a vehicle. Remembered for his courage and sacrifice.
Trooper Nathaniel Burroughs – Died in 1997 protecting others on icy roads. A 10-year veteran remembered for selfless service.
Technical Sergeant John M. Grassia III – Killed in a 2024 helicopter crash while deployed on border patrol. A dual hero who served both State Police and National Guard.
New York City – NYPD
Golfers:
Robert Houston
Vinchenzo Rallo
Brian Mcgovern
Rock Hill Ambulance Corps
Golfers:
Jeffrey Weinstein, MD
Honoree: Neal Meddaugh – A founding member who has served with unwavering commitment since the corps’ inception in 1978.
Sullivan County Sheriff’s Dept
Golfers:
Golfers: Blake Starner
Brian Shaw
Honoree:
Chief Hal Smith – With over 41 years of service, Chief Smith has risen through every rank and now leads the Jail, Civil, and Patrol Divisions.
Rock Hill Fire Department
Golfer:
William (Bill) Rieber
Honoree:
Chester "Chet" Smith – A 39-year member who led countless fundraisers and served as past President of the Sullivan County Firemen’s Association. His impact echoes in every corner of the department.
Summitville Fire Company
Golfers:
Caleb Budd
Brett Budd
Honoree:
Past Chief Bruce White Sr. – Served as Chief in the 1980s and as Commissioner. His decades of leadership are remembered with respect and pride.
White Lake Fire Company
Golfers:
Chief Shane Cunningham
Honoree:
Thomas Hendrickson – A 60-year member and former chief during Woodstock 1969, he helped build a firefighting legacy carried on by three generations.