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Former firefighter plays big role in success of Guns and Hoses Charity event

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — All eyes may be on the ring when firefighters and police officers go toe to toe during a charity boxing event Saturday in Kansas City, Missouri. But Rob Sapp hopes a cedar chest catches the eye of people at the Guns and Hoses fundraiser.

Sapp is a woodworker who donates a one of his creations to the auction portion of the annual event.

“I want to be there to help them. That's what I need to do. That's what I owe them,” Sapp said.

Sapp used to be a firefighter and says the Kansas City Fire Department took great care of him after he lost his vision in an ATV accident 30 years ago. The crash left him completely blind and forced him to step down as a firefighter.

“One of the highlights of my life is being a fireman,” he said proudly.

Amazingly, Sapp learned to work with wood after losing his vision. He uses a special tool with special notches that make clicking noises to help him measure his projects. He can do everything by himself and loves being able to give back.

“It makes me feel like I’ve really accomplished something here, and it makes me feel good; like I'm contributing something back to the community,” Sapp said.

For more information on Saturday’s fundraiser, including how to buy tickets, click here.