About Guns'N'Hoses

Our Mission:

Guns'N'Hoses exists to assist first response workers (Police Officers, Fire Fighters, EMS, Dispatch, etc.) in financial need due to a major or unforeseen hardship.

Our History:

Guns'N'Hoses was formed in 1991 by brothers Steve Sorgen (Fort Wayne Police), Lester Sorgen (Fort Wayne Fire), and a family friend. The Organization was formed to pool money from Police Officers, Fire Fighters, and local businesses to donate to worthy causes such as Make a Wish Foundation and the Emergency Responders Burn Foundation.  Each year, a generous donation was made to a worthy cause on behalf of the group.

After a few years, a larger need was identified by the founders to help “their own”.  The new focus shifted the charity funds to help the families of police officers and firefighters in a financial crisis.  Families in need rarely self-identify as pride is a common theme in this community. The financial request for assistance often comes from co-workers familiar with the families’ major/unforeseen struggles.  These struggles range from personal or family members being injured, dealing with medical issues, even death. These donations are determined on a case by case basis.

In recent years, a focus has been made to increase the donations and help more families.  We have expanded our efforts to include all First Responders (Police Officers, Fire Fighters, EMS, Dispatch, etc.) and their families.  Guns'N'Hoses is governed by a Board of Directors made up of fire, police and civilian members.

We welcome your questions and interest in our organization and goals.
Feel free to send us a message.