PAWTUCKET, R.I. – On Friday night, Pawtucket police officers and firefighters returned to the ice at Dennis M. Lynch Arena for a charity hockey game that brings the community together while honoring the Dorgan family, whose lives were forever changed by the February shooting.
The event, organized to benefit the Blackstone Valley Schools co‑op hockey team, raised money for brand‑new uniforms, practice gear, bags and other equipment needed for the upcoming season. Coach Chris Librizzi, who guided the team to its first state championship in March, said the fundraiser offers a fresh start after the tragedy.
“Honestly it’s a little bit emotional for us to be here tonight,” Librizzi said. “This is our second time, only our second time back at the rink.” He added that the team has already secured roughly 70% of its fundraising goal.
The shooting on Feb. 16, when Robert Dorgan opened fire during his son Colin’s high school hockey game, claimed the lives of Colin’s mother Rhonda, brother Aidan and grandfather Gerald. Several other family members and a family friend were injured. The community rallied quickly, and the Blackstone Valley team captured a state title just months later, with Colin Dorgan playing a key role in the playoff run.
First responders step onto the ice
Police and fire personnel who responded to the February tragedy took part in a friendly rivalry on the rink, demonstrating that their commitment to the community endures. “We thought it’d be a good thing to come together now to help them get a fresh start and let them know the two forces that showed up that day are still here for them,” said Pawtucket Fire Capt. Jeff Johnson Jr.
Johnson emphasized that first responders often appear at the worst moments in a community, and while they may appear stoic, the event reminded them of the personal impact of such tragedies. “A lot of times we show up at your worst moments, and we seem like it’s not bothering us, but deep down it does. We want to make sure the kids know they’ll never be forgotten,” he said.
Proceeds from the game will go toward purchasing new shells, socks, home and away uniforms, practice gear and other essentials. Librizzi explained that having fresh equipment is more than a practical need; it symbolizes a clean slate for the players and their families.
Community healing continues
The Dorgan family and the broader Blackstone Valley community have continued to receive support, including group therapy sessions and ongoing donations. “The community has been behind us and supported us from February 16th, right through today,” Librizzi noted.
Looking ahead, the team is slated to return to the ice for the start of the high‑school hockey season on Nov. 30. The charity game not only supplies the gear needed for that return but also reinforces the bond between first responders and the families they serve.
As Pawtucket’s police and fire departments demonstrate their dedication beyond emergency calls, the event stands as a testament to the city’s resilience, faith in one another, and commitment to the traditional family values that anchor the community.
Original reporting: NBC 10 WJAR (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
