A sign reads “Doing the most good” outside The Salvation Army. (Raquel Villatoro/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

For the third time, the City of Tyler Police Department won against local first responders in Salvation Army’s annual First Responders Ringing of the Bell Challenge.

The City of Tyler Police, Smith County Sheriff’s Office, UT Health East Texas EMS/Air 1 and Tyler Fire Department competed in the challenge and collectively raised $9,808.23.

“This is the biggest year we’ve had in five years of doing it,” said Capt. Jeremy Walker, corps officer at The Salvation Army of Tyler.

Local first responders participate in the Red Kettle Campaign to see who raises the most money, taking turns ringing the bell for 12 hours per team at Chik-fil-A. The funds directly help The Salvation Army. Walker is grateful for the support from first responders.

“Our first responders, they’re on the front lines every day and they’re out there doing amazing work. I take my hat off to these guys, men and women that are just out there serving selflessly, but they take time out of their schedule to get down there and ring bells to help those that are in need, that need some housing, that need some Christmas, that needs a warm meal.”

Tyler Chief of Police Jimmy Toler enjoys participating in the competition because the police officers get to directly interact with the community. They get to have “one-on-one interaction” with community members and hand out stickers to kids.

“We have a great community, but there’s still a lot of people that need food assistance and clothing assistance and need housing,” Toler said. “Whatever we can do to help, that is the primary goal here.”

Tyler PD works directly with the homeless community. Tyler Police Homeless Outreach Officer Shane Jasper goes out into the community to check in with those experiencing homelessness.

“They keep making that contact, trying to get people back in contact with their loved ones or family members, making sure that people in need, that we can go out there,” Toler said. “Not only just stuff like that, but also make that interaction, build those relationships, see what we can do to get you out that situation and get you to the next part of your life.”

Toler looks forward to next year’s competition. Every year they raise more and more money and the competition gets more intense.

“We push it more and more and try to try to do a better job but I don’t believe that competition will ever die down just because of the natural relationships we have with EMS and fire and the sheriff’s office,” Toler said.

The Salvation Army provides shelter, social services, food and clothing. They serve the community year round. At a conference with other Salvation Army locations, Walker received praise about the community in Smith County and their willingness to help.

“Smith County is setting the bar and setting it high. And it’s good to be a part of that,” Walker said.

The need is great in the community, he said.

“We do it because there’s a need and it goes first and foremost to Christmas, but then it goes to helping those folks year around, feeding, housing, counseling, social services,” Walker said. “And so there’s a huge need unfortunately here in this community for those that are in need.”

The Salvation Army is located at 633 N Broadway Ave. To donate, visit the location or call 903-592-4361.