Battle of the Badges

By Meri R. Kennedy

Posted 6/21/17

By MERI R. KENNEDY The Cranston Police Department and the Cranston Fire Department played against each other in the 3rd annual Chief's Challenge" basketball game on June 15 at Cranston High School West. It was the men in blue (The Blue Wave) vs the men"

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Battle of the Badges

WHO WILL WIN? Pictured are Cranston Fire Department Chief McKenna, Special Olympic RI CEO, Dennis DeJesus holding the Chief’s Challenge Trophy and Cranston Police Department Col. Winquist, Chief of Police. For the third year in a row, the trophy went to the Cranston Police Department.

(Herald photos by Steve Popiel)

FREE THROW: At the free throw line during the 3rd annual “Chief’s Challenge” basketball game was James Murray of the Cranston Police Department.

(Herald photos by Steve Popiel)

RED STORM: Pictured are members of the Cranston Fire Department’s Team at the 3rd annual “Chief’s Challenge” basketball game. They played a good game, yet have not yet beaten the Cranston Police Department in the charity ball game.

(Herald photos by Steve Popiel)

THE BLUE WAVE: Pictured are members of the Cranston Police Department’s Team at the 3rd annual “Chief’s Challenge” basketball game. As in the past two years, they took home the trophy again this year.

(Herald photos by Steve Popiel)

Posted Wednesday, June 21, 2017 1:33 pm

By Meri R. Kennedy

The Cranston Police Department and the Cranston Fire Department played against each other in the 3rd annual “Chief’s Challenge” basketball game on June 15 at Cranston High School West. It was the men in blue (The Blue Wave) vs the men in red (Red Storm) in the Battle of the Badges.

This friendly and at times competitive game provided the opportunity for the two organizations to have a great time playing against each other and at the same time, raise money for Special Olympics of Rhode Island.

The police department was led by player/coach Matt Ricci and a team featuring officers from every division within the Cranston Police Department. The Cranston Fire Department entered the game with a highly-experienced group of basketball veterans who will look to topple the upstart police department in a sport in which the Police have won the last two years.

Make it a third-year win for the Cranston Police Department as they outscored the Cranston Fire Department by more than 10 points.

The volunteer referees were Paul Sylvia and Jim Ryan. Members of the Falconettes and the Westernettes were on hand to carry the flag during the opening ceremonies. Mayor Allan Fung was on hand for a welcome to the crowd.

More than $400 was raised and Dennis DeJesus, CEO, Special Olympics Rhode Island was also present and thanked all the participants for their help.