The 19th Annual Bryan C. Pottberg Memorial Golf Tournament will be on

August 12th, 2024.

Who was Bryan Pottberg?

Bryan was proud to have grown up in Buckner and graduated from Fort Osage H.S. in 1992. After a attending college in Warrensburg, Bryan settled in Lee’s Summit fulfilling his family legacy of being a career fire fighter. But On July 15, 1999, as a member of the Lee’s Summit Fire Department, Bryan died while participating in an underwater dive training session. Bryan was a dedicated member of the LSFD and was a friend to many. He was truly one of a kind and his loss was deeply felt. Members of Local 2195 created the Bryan C. Pottberg Memorial Golf Tournament to both honor Bryan and to leave a legacy in his name.

 

Where do proceeds from the tournament go?

For the first five years, all proceeds were contributed toward the Bryan Pottberg Park in Lee’s Summit.  This piece of land donated to honor Bryan had sat undeveloped with nothing more than a sign marking its location. Local 2195 teamed up with the Lee’s Summit Parks and Recreation Department to make the park a wonderful place for families to visit.  With the park now completed, proceeds from the tournament are used for improvements or dedications at the park when necessary. Otherwise, all remaining proceeds are given in scholarships to high school seniors seeking a career in public safety.  Students from all five high schools in Lee’s Summit (Lee’s Summit, Lee’s Summit North, Lee’s Summit West, St. Michael the Archangel Catholic School, and Summit Christian Academy) as well as Bryan’s alma mater, Fort Osage, are eligible.

 

 

How can I get involved?

You can help us in honoring Bryan by contributing to the Bryan Pottberg Memorial Golf Tournament. Opportunities are available for donation or sponsorship of the tournament.

 

We have been fortunate to have had some very generous and loyal sponsors over the years.  We’d like to thank Gary Hubert of American Family Insurance, Volume Instant Printing, Dr. Niewald DDS, Billups-Snider, Kleinschmidts, Pierce Manufacturing, Outback Steakhouse, American Food Service, Bushnell Factory Outlet, Tuck Designs, WHP Training Towers and County Beverage for being with as sponsors for over five years.

 

A little history….

A committee of Local 2195 members, along with the Pottberg family, sought out a way to memorialize Bryan. The tournament was started humbly in 2004 at what once was Chapel Woods Golf Course. When the course owners advised in 2006 that it would be closing for redevelopment, the Local 2195 golf committee wanted to improve the venue. The tournament found its new and present home at the exclusive Lakewood Oaks Golf Course in Lee’s Summit. This year’s tournament will be the 9th Annual.

 

In 2007, the Lee’s Summit Fire Department honored Bryan by dedicating the new Station 7 Training Center to him. A fitting tribute lies at the entrance to the Training Center along with Bryan’s badge and fire gear.

 

We would be pleased to have you join us in honoring our friend. For more information, send us an e-mail at golf@iaff2195.org.