Injured Niagara Co. Sheriff Deputy Allen Gerhardt to throw Ceremonial First Pitch

August 30, 2011 - The Buffalo Bisons today announced that injured Niagara County Sheriff Deputy ALLEN GERHARDT will throw a ceremonial first pitch prior to the Bisons game against the Syracuse Chiefs on Wednesday, August 31 at Coca-Cola Field.

The game is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. with Gerhardt's first pitch occurring at approximately 6:50 p.m. Gerhadt will be escorted onto the field by the deputies who saved his life: SHAWN GRAPES and JOHN ANDRES.

Gerhardt, 36, lost both of his legs on July 18, 2011 when he lost control of his patrol car while assisting another officer on a high-speed chase. Grapes and Andres came to Gerhardt's aid and quickly applied tourniquets to his badly wounded legs to prevent a greater tragedy.

The Bisons will donate proceeds of ticket sold by the Niagara County Sheriff's Office ($10, purchase at 438-3370) to Gerhardt's recovery. The Sheriff's Office will also hold a 50/50 SPLIT CLUB and a Buffalo Sports Memorabilia RAFFLE during the Bisons game on Wednesday. Before the game, there will be an OPEN TENT PARTY with live music from Widow Maker starting at 5:00 p.m.

-the herd-