(KTRS) – Last year’s Guns ‘N Hoses was a record-setting event. Organizers donated more than $443,000 to the Backstoppers–a group that supports families of fallen first responders.

Mayor Francis Slay was on hand for the check presentation Tuesday and said the size of the donation shows that St. Louis residents love their police and firefighters.

The event returned to its regular Thanksgiving Even slot in 2015 after it was delayed in 2014 due to unrest in Ferguson.