Local Bedford firefighter Asa Palker is gearing up for his debut in this year’s Battle of the Badges Hockey Championship benefitting Dartmouth Health Children’s. This charity game brings together first responders- including firefighters, police officers, EMTs, security guards, detectives, state troopers, and more- to battle it out on the ice in front of 5,000 fans.

This past Fall, nearly 80 New Hampshire first responders from near and far attended tryouts, hoping to be selected by the Team Fire and Team Police coaches to earn a spot on the teams. As a hockey player and Bedford native, Palker knew the of the game, saw the flyer at his department’s station, and decided to try out. Among 40 firefighters, he secured a spot on this year’s Team Fire roster.

When asked how excited he is about playing in this year’s game, Palker shared, “It means a lot, you grow up hearing about this game…it’s cool because it combines two of my favorite parts of life.” He grew up playing hockey since the age of five, and appreciates the opportunity to represent both his career and love of hockey in one event.

Palker began his firefighter career in 2024, completed the Academy, and has been with the Bedford Fire Department for just over a year. After playing college hockey for a few years, he set a goal of becoming a firefighter one day. Palker is the first in his family to serve as a first responder. After college, he wanted to pursue a role that would allow him to give back to others. He describes being a firefighter as the best job in the world. “You get to help people and hang out with your best friends every day.” That sense of family is what drove him to become a firefighter.

It certainly means a lot for Palker to serve his own community. He puts his heart and soul into being a firefighter, but his Bedford upbringing gives him a special connection. “I end up seeing a lot of people that I don’t necessarily know, but they are a friend’s parent or grandparent…or a friend of a friend, so it means a lot.” Palker describes Bedford as a “bigger little town…a very safe place” with a deep sense of community and connectivity, and he is proud to be a member of this town.

When asked what he loves most about being a firefighter, Palker states it’s all about the camaraderie. Fellow firefighters on his shift are like brothers and sisters to him. He connects this feeling to a hockey locker room, how “we have to have each other’s backs.” Palker can feel that bond and sense of community with this year’s Team Fire players. Although he hasn’t played a competitive game of hockey in a while, he is having a lot of fun.

Players like Asa are committed to raising at least $1,500 for Dartmouth Health Children’s and the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (CHaD), though many surpass their goal. He speaks to the fundraising, as an “important part…we need to help the children who go through [care] at Dartmouth Children’s. It’s bigger than just the game, so fundraising keeps that in perspective.” He encourages everyone in the community to come to this year’s game and root for Team Fire and Bedford, as he is the only player in this year’s game from the town.

One of the unique aspects of this charity game is the pairing of Dartmouth Health Children’s patient Buddies with either a Team Fire or Team Police player. They look up to these first responders and help cheer them on on game day. Palker says this was one of the most exciting aspects of the event, and looks forward to connecting with his Buddy. His message to all the Buddies is to “keep fighting and know that we’re all fighting with you.”

Entering its 18th year, Battle of the Badges will once again be hosted at the SNHU Arena in downtown Manchester on Sunday, March 15th. Doors will open to the public at 11:30 am, and the puck drops at 1 pm. The event serves as a great family-friendly day, with a touch-a-truck experience on the Plaza to start, followed by activities and games, including face painting and a teddy bear clinic around the Arena’s concourse. Tickets to this year’s game are $16 per person ($20 on game day), and children 10 and under receive free admission. To learn more about the game and players like Asa, visit chadhockey.org.