THE DALLES — Police officers and firefighters will duke it out on the gridiron Sept. 26, as the annual Pig Bowl fundraiser returns to Sid White Field on the Wahtonka campus for its 23rd year.
The charity flag football game, historically a match between Oregon and Washington law enforcement, switched gears in 2022 due to staffing shortages. Now, Gorge-wide law enforcement competes against local firefighting agencies, raising funds for community members and their families who are facing medical and financial hardships.
This year’s recipients include the family of Carlitos Huicochea, a local 10-year-old diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Current residents of Hood River, the Huicocheas have lived in the Gorge for 30 years.
“Carlitos is greatly impacted by his medical issues,” said a Pig Bowl Facebook post. “Despite this, he has an infectious smile and enjoys music and watching soccer.”
Since Carlitos is completely dependent on others for his care; his mobility will need lifelong support. He has to use a wheelchair, with his parents lifting him out of the car and throughout the home. Carrying Carlitos is getting more challenging as he grows.
Because medical equipment is very expensive and funding through the Huicocheas’ insurance company is very limited and never guaranteed, he will eventually require a vehicle that accommodates a wheelchair when he is too big to be carried.
Proceeds will also go to the family of Joel Carmody, a deputy with Hood River County Sheriff’s Office who was diagnosed with Stage IV Melanoma in November 2025, when doctors discovered multiple tumors throughout his abdomen, lungs, and brain.
Carmody began immunotherapy treatment in December, but suffered a life-threatening complication that required emergency surgery. After four hours in the operating room, surgeons were forced to stop the procedure, leaving him sedated with his abdomen open for 36 hours before they were able to return and complete the operation.
The complications from his cancer and subsequent surgeries ultimately forced Carmody to medically retire from law enforcement in May after 22 years of service.
“Through determination and resilience, Joel has beaten incredible odds thus far,” said a Pig Bowl Facebook post. “But his battle is far from over; the cancer will require lifelong treatment, monitoring, and follow-up care.”
Pig Bowl organizers invite everyone to come out, watch some football, and support the Huicocheas and Carmodys. The game will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 per individual and $20 per family. A Venmo QR code will be available to scan for additional donations, or you can mail your check to the fundraiser’s PO Box (PO Box 1166, The Dalles, OR 97058).
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