As an Owensboro firefighter, Matt Statdfield has dedicated his career to protecting this community. But what many people in the Tri-State also know him for is what he does off the clock. Matt is the lead organizer of the Evansville First Responders Hockey Team — formerly known as the Evansville Hoses — a team of firefighters, EMS workers, and military members who have spent years lacing up their skates to raise money for people in need.

Under Matt's leadership, this team has become one of Evansville's most trusted forces for good. They are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and their track record speaks for itself:

When EPD Officer Sam Taylor was shot in the line of duty in September 2025, the team organized a benefit game that raised a record-setting $19,000 for his family — and had the check written and on its way before the weekend was over.

When Vanderburgh County Deputy Jason Cutrell was battling metastatic melanoma, the team hosted a benefit game in his honor, standing behind their commitment that "no one fights alone."

When the devastating December 2021 tornadoes tore through western Kentucky, the team didn't just host a benefit game — they organized four full trailers and a truck loaded with supplies and convoyed them to Kentucky.

They partnered with fire departments across the region to raise money for Georgia McCrady, the daughter of an Owensboro firefighter who lost his life to brain cancer.

They turned the ice pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, hosting a "Pink the Rink" game with all proceeds going to Cancer Pathways Midwest.

They raised money for It Takes a Village No-Kill Rescue, because as the team put it: "We still want to give back to our hometown community."

Matt is the heart behind all of this. He's the one making the calls, organizing the games, rallying the players, and making sure every dollar gets where it needs to go.

Now Matt's family needs our help.

This past weekend, Matt's father's home caught fire. Thankfully, no one was injured — but the damage to the house is extensive. Matt's dad is now facing the overwhelming reality of rebuilding his home, replacing personal belongings, and securing temporary housing while repairs are made.

Matt would never ask for help for himself. That's just who he is. So we're asking on his behalf.

Every dollar raised will go directly toward helping Matt's father with rebuilding and repair costs, temporary housing, and replacing the belongings lost in the fire.

Matt has spent years making sure this community has someone in its corner. Let's make sure he knows we're in his.

Please donate, share this page, and help us show Matt and his family that the Evansville community takes care of its own.