First annual Police vs Fire charity softball game was a scorching success
A member of the fire department launches a throw from third base. Photos by Bobby Grady
A policeman swings.
Tom Harrigan makes a sliding catch.
A policeman makes a play at shortstop.
Firefighter Tyler Crab takes a hack.
A policeman stretches for a catch.
Andy Rowley tracks a fly ball.
Tyler Crab turns two.
A member of the fire department launches a throw from third base. Photos by Bobby Grady
A policeman swings.
Tom Harrigan makes a sliding catch.
A policeman makes a play at shortstop.
Firefighter Tyler Crab takes a hack.
A policeman stretches for a catch.
Andy Rowley tracks a fly ball.
Tyler Crab turns two.
The Wareham Fire Department proved too hot to handle for the boys in blue on the diamond during the first annual Wareham Police vs Wareham Fire softball game.
The game was held Saturday, June 21 at Wareham High School and included Wareham Police, Wareham Fire and members of the Onset Fire Department.
Wareham firefighter Trevor Robidoux said the departments wanted to get together and do something for the community. The game wasn’t just a game, it also served as a fundraiser for the police and fire departments as well as the Wareham High School Softball team.
“We thought it would be nice if we got together and did something for a good cause,” Robidoux said.
Wareham Police Information Sergeant Bryan Whalen said the game had better turnout than expected.
“That’s what we’re all about,” he said. “We’re trying to be with the community and be as one.”
The camaraderie between the departments was evident as cheers and jeers could be heard from both dugouts during the game. But even when Whalen taunted the fire department’s award winning chili, Wareham firefighter Chip Deblois said it didn’t shake them.
“They’re just upset because we have the best chili,” Deblois said.
Both sides said they were playing for something bigger than themselves, a year’s worth of bragging rights.
“It’s going to be nonstop, every call, it’s going to be a good time,” Deblois said.
While Whalen said he expects the next year to be full of “tenacious” bragging rights, he said the game is “all in good fun” and the town can expect a rematch next year.
“This is kind of like a great stress relief from the stuff that we do, we can have a good time and have some good old fun” Whalen said.
The game ended with a Wareham fire 19 to 16 victory but Paul Esepik said he was enjoying the game so much, he wanted it to end in a tie.
“That way they have to do it again,” he said.
Sitting with Paul was Jennifer Esepik who said she enjoyed seeing the two departments getting together and “playing a little ball.”
“The camaraderie is nice, it's nice to see the guys ripping on each other,” she said.
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