45°
“We have the police of Bridgeport and the firefighters of Bridgeport playing to determine supremacy on the hardwood,” said Mayor Bill Finch, who attended and tossed a ceremonial jump ball as the game began. “And it’s all for a good cause -- to help rebuild an historic church that was damaged during Hurricane Sandy.”
The game benefits the Walters Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, which was built 150 years ago and was damaged by flooding caused by Hurricane Sandy.
Pastor Janese Hawkins said she was “eternally grateful” that firefighters and police officers would volunteer their time to help raise money for her church.
“This is just a tremendous blessing that words could never express,” she said.
Both teams were confident as they entered the Cardinal Shehan Center gymnasium for the match-up.
Firefighter Damian Bullock predicted his team's victory. “They have no chance. Once they signed up, that was it.”
Police Capt. Roderick Porter sent back a friendly jab.
“As usual we’re going to win. Everyone knows that firemen are people who wanted to be police officers but couldn’t cut it,” Porter said.
But he was graceful in defeat. “They got us, 42-38.”
Walters AME was built more than 180 years ago and had been a part of the Underground Railroad when slaves seeking freedom hid there. It was severely damaged during Hurricane Sandy, and the congregation is trying to rebuild the structure.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Bridgeport and receive free news updates.
