ELMWOOD PARK, NY - Professional MMA fighter Jimmie “El Terror” Rivera spent most of his young adulthood in the ring fighting world-class level competition - which eventually led to a UFC contract.
In his UFC debut at the UFC Vegas 20 Pay-Per-View event in 2021, Rivera won a unanimous decision against legendary fighter, Pedro Munhoz. Rivera went on with his UFC career and finished with an impressive 7-4 against some of the world’s fiercest fighters. He then went on to a bigger contract with another fighting franchise, where he still fights today.
But within that time, Rivera decided to become a police officer in his home state of New Jersey. He wanted to give back to the community he loved.
“I am officially a police officer. Someone said you want to make a change; you have to be the change. Can’t wait to get out there and be that change!” Rivera said to an MMA media company.
Now Rivera balances his time with fighting crime and fighting elite competition in the ring. But one thing he always makes time for is helping the veteran community.
A Veterans Training Event
One of New Jersey’s most prominent veteran advocates and former Army combat medic Frank “Doc” Schupp teamed up with Police Chief Michael Foligno and Jimmie “El Terror” Rivera to put together a training session workshop for the veteran community.
Chief Foligno of the Elmwood Park PD has been a longtime supporter of the veteran community and was eager to pair up with Rivera and Schupp for the event.
Their collective goal was to get the veterans together to relive the sense of camaraderie once experienced in the military to encourage socialization, avoid isolation, and improve their mental health - all while getting a great workout session led by a professional fighter turned cop.
Mental health is an increasingly important subject within the law enforcement, first responder, and veteran community. Few people understand this more than veteran Frank “Doc” Schupp. He knew just how much a workout session with a professional MMA fighter would help veterans.
“As soldiers, we are used to coming together as squads, platoons, and units. When we do this at events and have something to keep our interest and focus, it can help take our minds off stressors and focus on the moment. Boxing is a great example of living in the moment and taking a break from those stressors and when we have great guys like Jimmy ‘El Terror’ Rivera and Chief Foligno training us, it’s a big win for our veterans,” “Doc” Schupp said.
Rivera was equally excited to get out there to support the veteran community.
“They (veterans) gave everything for us to live in a free country, this is the least we can do to show our support and thanks,” Rivera said.
“Doc” Schupp runs the New Jersey Veterans Network and organizes a variety of events like movie nights, sporting events, and other events aimed at helping the veteran community. He has partnered with other nonprofit organizations like Operation K9 Beethoven and MVP (Merging Veterans and Players). But he hopes to work more with Rivera.
“Rivera brings an opportunity to uniquely help the veteran community. With his experience and passion for helping vets, he can truly make a difference,” Doc said. “And as a police officer, Rivera continues to be an inspiration for everyone.”
Follow Jimmie “El Terror” Rivera on Instagram HERE. If you’re a veteran in New Jersey and/or want to support the NJ Veterans Network, visit their website HERE and follow Frank “Doc” Schupp on Facebook HERE.
-------------------
Writer Eddie Molina is a veteran and has over 25 years of combined LEO/military service. He owns and operates the LEO apparel and accessory company www.BuyHeroStuff.com
In his UFC debut at the UFC Vegas 20 Pay-Per-View event in 2021, Rivera won a unanimous decision against legendary fighter, Pedro Munhoz. Rivera went on with his UFC career and finished with an impressive 7-4 against some of the world’s fiercest fighters. He then went on to a bigger contract with another fighting franchise, where he still fights today.
But within that time, Rivera decided to become a police officer in his home state of New Jersey. He wanted to give back to the community he loved.
“I am officially a police officer. Someone said you want to make a change; you have to be the change. Can’t wait to get out there and be that change!” Rivera said to an MMA media company.
Now Rivera balances his time with fighting crime and fighting elite competition in the ring. But one thing he always makes time for is helping the veteran community.
A Veterans Training Event
One of New Jersey’s most prominent veteran advocates and former Army combat medic Frank “Doc” Schupp teamed up with Police Chief Michael Foligno and Jimmie “El Terror” Rivera to put together a training session workshop for the veteran community.
Chief Foligno of the Elmwood Park PD has been a longtime supporter of the veteran community and was eager to pair up with Rivera and Schupp for the event.
Their collective goal was to get the veterans together to relive the sense of camaraderie once experienced in the military to encourage socialization, avoid isolation, and improve their mental health - all while getting a great workout session led by a professional fighter turned cop.
Mental health is an increasingly important subject within the law enforcement, first responder, and veteran community. Few people understand this more than veteran Frank “Doc” Schupp. He knew just how much a workout session with a professional MMA fighter would help veterans.
“As soldiers, we are used to coming together as squads, platoons, and units. When we do this at events and have something to keep our interest and focus, it can help take our minds off stressors and focus on the moment. Boxing is a great example of living in the moment and taking a break from those stressors and when we have great guys like Jimmy ‘El Terror’ Rivera and Chief Foligno training us, it’s a big win for our veterans,” “Doc” Schupp said.
Rivera was equally excited to get out there to support the veteran community.
“They (veterans) gave everything for us to live in a free country, this is the least we can do to show our support and thanks,” Rivera said.
“Doc” Schupp runs the New Jersey Veterans Network and organizes a variety of events like movie nights, sporting events, and other events aimed at helping the veteran community. He has partnered with other nonprofit organizations like Operation K9 Beethoven and MVP (Merging Veterans and Players). But he hopes to work more with Rivera.
“Rivera brings an opportunity to uniquely help the veteran community. With his experience and passion for helping vets, he can truly make a difference,” Doc said. “And as a police officer, Rivera continues to be an inspiration for everyone.”
Follow Jimmie “El Terror” Rivera on Instagram HERE. If you’re a veteran in New Jersey and/or want to support the NJ Veterans Network, visit their website HERE and follow Frank “Doc” Schupp on Facebook HERE.
-------------------
Writer Eddie Molina is a veteran and has over 25 years of combined LEO/military service. He owns and operates the LEO apparel and accessory company www.BuyHeroStuff.com
For corrections or revisions, click here.
The opinions reflected in this article are not necessarily the opinions of LET
Comments
2025-02-23T19:24-0500 | Comment by: James
There went ALL my respect for him ....