North Providence, Johnston Firefighters Face off in Fire Bowl III

At the North Providence Fire Department’s headquarters on Mineral Spring Avenue there’s a certain air of confidence regarding Fire Bowl III, the unique flag football game that will kick off at 1 p.m. Saturday, November 19, at Joseph M. Polisena Stadium in Johnston.

The real winner of Saturday’s long-awaited rematch of the Johnston and North Providence Fire Fighters will be the Tri-Town Community Food Bank that will receive the total proceeds from Fire Bowl III.

“We don’t charge admission,” said Adam Barros, a 10-year member of Johnston Association of Fire Fighters Local 1950 who is heading the JFD’s home team this year. “We simply want people who come to the game to bring non-perishable food items – and checks or money orders if they’d like – to boost the Tri-Town Food Bank.”

Fire Bowl I and Fire Bowl II produced bags upon bags of non-perishable foods. Mayors Joseph Polisena of Johnston and Charles Lombardi of North Providence also made significant monetary donations. The food filled the back end of the JFD’s Rescue No. 4.

While bragging rights are on the line for Locals 1950 and 2334, Mayors Polisena and Lombardi are doing their part to add fuel to Saturday’s Fire Bowl III. The Johnston and North Providence leaders, who have been close friends for years, will again have a bet based on the outcome of Saturday’s game. If the Johnston Fire Fighters break their winless streak, Lombardi will wash Polisena’s town-owned vehicle. Likewise, if the North Providence Fire Fighters make it a three-peat, Polisena will wash Lombardi’s town-owned vehicle.

“Polisena said, “I have all the confidence in my guys that they’ll win Saturday’s game. The Fire Fighters tell me they’re hoping to put on a show and get a win.”

Lombardi countered, “I’ve had private meetings and practices with my guys and have all the confidence in the world going into Fire Bowl III. Hey, Joe! Get your sponge ready!”

The Fire Bowl game is the result of a long-time friendship between two well-known fire fighters – namely David Pingitore of Johnston and Anthony Rampone of North Providence – an idea they brought to the respective mayors for both towns to do something special for people in need at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

“The weather’s supposed to be great,” Barros noted. “We’re hoping the crowd is the largest ever and that our rescue vehicle is overflowing with non-perishable foods.”