First responders like police and firefighters have long been the ones rushing to emergencies, answering calls for help, and putting their lives on the line. Now, a growing number of them are stepping up in a different kind of battle—the fight against ALS. Arrest and Extinguish ALS, a fundraising initiative originally launched by two dedicated public servants affected by the disease, is making a comeback, offering firefighters, police officers, and EMTs an opportunity to raise funds for critical ALS research at the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI).
A Legacy of Strength and Service
Arrest and Extinguish ALS began in 2019, when “Iron” Mike Polidoro, a 28-year veteran of the Pittsfield, MA Fire Department, and Chief Jeffrey Roosa of the Lee, MA Police Department connected over their shared diagnosis of ALS. Aiming to rally their communities to the cause of ending the disease, they arrived at a unique idea: a tug-of-war competition. First responders from around the area formed teams, fundraised in their communities, and competed in a tournament at the famous Tanglewood concert venue in Lenox, MA. In just two years, the event raised over $85,000 for ALS Research.
"We’re used to being able to help people,” said Jeff in a 2019 interview with ALS TDI’s Endpoints Podcast. “I think it’s very tough for Mike and me to be in a position where we now have to accept help. But it’s amazing what people have done for us. I think communities need to look out for each other, whether you’re a firefighter or a police officer. So, this was a great event to bring people together, and a great event for first responders to get out there and meet people in the community."
A New Era for Arrest and Extinguish ALS
Both Mike and Jeff have since passed away, but their legacy of service and resilience continues to inspire. Now, thanks to a growing interest from first responders across the country in joining the fight against ALS, Arrest and Extinguish ALS is coming back in 2025 as a nationwide program at ALS TDI.
In this new format, the program will provide a simple yet impactful way for first responders to organize a variety of fundraising events to support ALS research. These could be tug-of-war contests like the original Arrest and Extinguish, or other community events like softball games or other forms of friendly competition. Whether a department wants to compete against a rival town’s first responders or bring in teachers, sports coaches, and local organizations, the possibilities are endless.
“The wonderful thing about Arrest and Extinguish is that it gives civil servants—police, fire, EMS—a platform to give back,” says Carol Hamilton, ALS TDI’s VP of Development. “This is an incredible way to galvanize entire communities around friendly competition and raise critical funds for ALS research.”
Why First Responders?
Studies suggest that some first responders may be at a higher risk for ALS due to potential occupational exposures. While research is ongoing, what’s clear is that these dedicated public servants deserve the same unwavering support they provide their communities. Arrest and Extinguish ALS empowers first responders to take action and contribute to the advancement of effective treatments and cures.
Why Fundraise for ALS TDI?
Arrest and Extinguish ALS supports research at the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI), the world's most comprehensive drug discovery lab dedicated solely to ALS. As a nonprofit biotech, ALS TDI’s research is funded by the ALS community—people whose lives have been affected by this disease who are united to end ALS. Funds raised by Arrest and Extinguish ALS events will support ALS TDI’s cutting-edge drug discovery efforts as well as their research to learn more about the causes of ALS and better understand the connections between first responders and the disease.
Get Involved: Host Your Own Event!
With its streamlined structure and built-in community appeal, Arrest and Extinguish ALS is an easy, engaging way for first responders to make a difference. Whether you want to host a tug-of-war, a basketball tournament, or a simple fundraising dinner, ALS TDI provides resources and support to help make your event a success.
If you’re a first responder—or know one—who wants to join the fight against ALS, visit Arrest and Extinguish ALS to learn more about hosting an event in your community.
Together, we can continue the work that Mike Polidoro and Jeff Roosa started, honoring their memory and ensuring that we are working together to end this disease.
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