The friendly rivalry between fire and police found its way into the Council on Aging on Monday, June 12, when the Wareham Fire Department and Police Department faced off in a game of chair volleyball.

Chair volleyball is a modified version of the sport in which players have to remain seated the entire time. 

Each game of the tournament consisted of three rounds. The first team to reach 15 points in each round won. 

The two teams tied in the first two rounds, but the firefighters took the glory when they scored the final point of an intense third round.

“The competition was a lot harder this week,” Kelley said. “It was a great event all around. They played really well, and it was a tough win.” 

The Wareham Fire Department beat the Onset Fire Department in the Council on Aging’s previous chair volleyball game on Monday, June 5.

After its win against Onset, Wareham Fire was not ready to let go of what Fire Chief John Kelley called “public safety bragging rights.”

Police Chief Walter Correia said the best part of the game was getting to engage with the community.

“It's a lot of fun, and a lot of people here enjoyed it,” Correia said.

Council on Aging Director Sharon Rice said the idea for the tournament came when Town Administrator Derek Sullivan joined the council for a game. 

Rice said Sullivan had so much fun that he suggested hosting a tournament.

The council decided to show its gratitude for first responders by having them play in the tournament. 

Elaine LeMoine sat in for an Onset firefighter during last week’s game, but came only as a spectator this time.

“It's exciting seeing different departments like that get together and show the people that they can be friendly,” she said.

She will play in the next and final chair volleyball game, which will pit senior citizens against firefighters at the Council on Aging at 1 p.m. on Monday, June 26.

LeMoine said she is feeling excited and hopeful for that game, adding that chair volleyball is a “good laugh” with “good sportsmanship.”

Lynn Beaupre served as a referee for Monday’s game, but she also plans to play on the Council on Aging’s team. 

“We've got some stiff competition coming up,” she said. “It should be interesting.”

She added: “I love chair volleyball. It's my laughter therapy for the week.”

Rice said she hopes to hold the tournament annually, and plans on getting a trophy for it. 

“It will live at the senior center because we intend to win next time,” she said.