History of Arrest & Extinguish ALS

The inaugural Arrest and Extinguish event, inspired and organized by Mike Polidoro and Jeff Roosa, was held on May 18, 2019, at Tanglewood in Lenox, MA. The event invited first responders from in and around Massachusetts to form teams, fundraise, and compete in a tug-of-war competition. Community members were encouraged to donate to their favorite team and cheer them on. The first two events raised over $85,000 for ALS research at ALS TDI.

We Continue to Fight in Their Memory

Michael Polidoro

Michael (Mike) Polidoro, was affectionately known as "Iron Mike" by his friends and colleagues and served in the Pittsfield Fire Department for 28 years. As his nickname suggests, Mike was a force to be reckoned with. He led a remarkable career in his department, responding to countless natural and manmade disasters. He assisted in the aftermath of 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina as a member of the FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Massachusetts Task Force 1 Team based in Beverly, MA. However, when he was diagnosed with ALS, he sadly had to retire from the department. His firefighter community remains tremendously supportive and dedicated a fire engine in his name – Poly's Pride.

Jeffery Roosa

When the Town of Lee, Massachusetts Police Department participated in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge in August 2014, they never imagined that they would be hit so close to home just 3 years later. Chief of Police, Jeffrey (Jeff) Roosa was diagnosed with ALS in September 2017. Jeff was born and raised in Lee, joining the Police Department 2001, after serving as a Police Officer in the Town of Sheffield from 1996 until 2001. He was appointed as the chief of the Lee department in 2013. He served on the county's regional Special Response Team for 16 years of his 23-year career. He even ran his first marathon in 2009. He was fit and in shape. It was on Father’s Day 2016 that Jeff noticed something was wrong when his running time was slower than expected and his leg muscles started cramping and twitching while riding his bike. When he saw his doctor, he was assured, "it's just nerves" – nothing to worry about. After several more visits with specialists, he finally got his diagnosis – ALS.

Start Your Own Arrest & Extinguish ALS Event

To learn more and start an Arrest & Extinguish ALS event in your area, contact us!