"I didn't know Chris Engeldrum," says Firefighter Mike Cook, "but he was willing to risk his life for people he didn't know by serving in the U.S. Army and New York Fire Department. We have an obligation to help his family because he put his life on the line in the service of so many others."

Cook, 29, of Ladder Co. 6 in Chinatown, is explaining how the rugby players of the FDNY and NYPD came together to raise money for the family of Army National Guardsman and New York Firefighter Christian Engeldrum, the first firefighter to be killed while serving in Iraq.

"I was on active duty in the Air Force before joining the Fire Department and am active in the FDNY's VFW chapter," says Cook, who lives on Staten Island. "When we learned that Engeldrum had been killed while serving in Iraq, we wanted to do something in support of his family."

It was Capt. John Gormley of Division 6 who suggested that holding a rugby match between the FDNY and NYPD might be a way to raise funds for Engeldrum's widow, Sharon,and three children. "Capt. Gormley didn't know it, but I play for the [Fire Department] rugby team, so I was in a position to help to make it happen," says Cook.

Another firefighter active in the VFW, Justin Devine was enthusiastic about the idea, so the three decided to plan the match. They contacted Officer Joe Panico of the 17th Precinct in midtown, who helped get the NYPD's rugby team up and running three years ago.

"Naturally," says Panico, 25, of Yonkers, "we understand how important it is to support the families of those killed while serving our country, so we were honored to participate."

A match was scheduled last August at Gaelic Park in the Bronx. Days before the teams met, tragedy hit the NYPD as it learned that one of its officers serving in the Army Reserve, James McNaughton, had been killed by a sniper while guarding prisoners in Iraq — the first New York City police officer to be killed in action in Iraq. McNaughton was laid to rest the day of the rugby match.

"Over 2,000 people attended and over $20,000 was raised for the Engeldrum family," says Cook. "The event was an enormous success."

After the match, Gormley, Cook and Panico agreed that this should become an annual event honoring both Engeldrum and McNaughton. So, this year the teams will meet up once again at Gaelic Park, on July 7. Following the wishes of both heroes' families, the funds raised will go to various charities that benefit other people in need.

While rugby is a relatively unknown quantity to most Americans, those who have played the game form one of the largest and most collegial fraternities in the world.

"I was introduced to rugby while on active duty in Germany before joining the [Fire Department] in 2002," says Cook. "I saw a flyer in the gym inviting anyone who was interested to come out for the rugby team. I had never played, but it looked interesting. I got hooked early on and have been playing ever since."

Panico began playing rugby while attending Fordham University. "I had played football and lacrosse in high school, but rugby was the most enjoyable game I ever experienced."

He joined the NYPD after graduating from Fordham. "I was always interested in being a New York City police officer, and after 9/11 I really felt the pull to join up and serve my city.

"When I joined the force there were a number of players who got together and played in occasional tournaments, but I really thought we should have a regular club of our own."

Panico organized the existing players and helped recruit some new ones. Now, the Police Department team plays a full league schedule in the spring and fall against other clubs in the metropolitan area.

"The guys love the game so much, they are willing to make enormous sacrifices to practice and play. We don't have 9-to-5 jobs, so arranging time off to make practices and games requires a lot of commitment," Panico says.

Despite its British boarding-school pedigree, in the United States rugby is a game played largely in anonymity by players whose love for the game's physical nature and unusually strong fellowship makes it worth the hardships.

"I love the fact that you can spend 80 minutes locked in physical combat with someone and as soon as the whistle blows, two teams that were trying to kill each other are the best of friends. At the postgame party, you'll see guys with black eyes and broken bones joking around with their opponents like old pals," says Cook.

"Rugby is the one sport that transcends the intense occupational rivalry between the Police and Fire departments," adds Panico. "Many of the other interforce athletic competitions are so heated that there isn't any room for real fellowship. Rugby is unique in that the two teams compete in a violent sport but then put aside the rivalry and enjoy each other's company."

That camaraderie draws Cook and Panico to a game that is physically demanding and does not offer monetary rewards. And it fosters an environment where New York's Finest and Bravest work together to raise thousands of dollars for worthy causes.

"The original plan was just one rugby match in the hope of raising modest funds for one family, and it has blossomed into something much bigger," says Cook. "Now we are committed to doing this on an annual basis and raising substantial funds. . . . The cooperation and dedication this requires would not have been possible without the bonds that are formed among rugby players."

Panico agrees: "Our jobs build and breed camaraderie, and the rugby culture pulls us even more tightly together. We're proud that the Fire and Police departments produce guys like Engeldrum and McNaughton who are willing to leave the comforts of home to serve their country. This match gives us a chance to represent institutions we are honored to be a part of, and to show support for the families that have sacrificed so much."

For the July 7 match at Gaelic Park, gates open at 5 p.m. and the game starts at 6:30. Food and drink will be available, and after the match, Sullivan's Jack, an Irish-American rock band, will perform. Admission is $20.

Do you know a New Yorker who's making a difference? E-mail Big Town Editor Dawn Eden: bigtown@nydailynews.com.