Page 10 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, May 10, 2024 ~ Sounds of Malden ~ Veteran Malden first responder will compete in ‘America’s Funniest Firefighter’ New England Finals By Steve Freker A t this point you could probably say Craig “Rock” Nicholas has pretty much done it all as a longtime Malden fi refi ghter, responding to all kinds of calls, including active fi re scenes where he and his crews may be called upon to crack open doors or windows. Now he’s added a new skill to bis repertoire: cracking jokes! Nicholas is among six firefi ghters – fi ve from Mass. and one from Maine – who will be vying for the title of “America’s Funniest Firefi ghter” in the New England Region Finals. Six New England fi refi ghters, including Malden’s Nicholas, have made it to the Finals, where they will battle it out to see who will be named the “funniest fi refi ghter in the region” during a special fundraiser for Firefighters Vs Cancer. Legendary New England stand-up comic Tony V will host the America’s Funniest Firefi ghter New England Region Finals as six firefighters from departments across the area compete for bragging rights, a $5,000 grand prize and a chance to compete to be “America’s Funniest Firefi ghter.” All of the money raised at the event will go to Firefi ghters Vs Cancer, a nonprofi t corporation that provides free cancer screenings for fi refi ghters. The six fi refi ghters, who have already risen to the New England Finals through preliminary competitions, will perform a stand-up comedy routine on Friday, May 17, 2024, at Florian Hall in Dorchester. A panel of celebrity judges will pick a winner. The stand-up competition will pair six fi refi ghters with six experienced, professional comedians from New England. The professional stand-up comedians will mentor the fi rehouse favorites as they create a fi ve-minute comedy set. Firefi ghters Vs Cancer is a nonprofit organization dedicated to informing 1.2 Million North Malden 28-year firefighter Craig Nicholas will compete in the New England Finals of the America’s Funniest Firefi ghter competition. (Courtesy/Firefighters Vs. Cancer) American firefighters about the life-saving necessity of cancer screenings and providing fi - nancial support to perform the much-needed screenings. The tests are key to early cancer detection and may cost fi refi ghters $600. According to Boston Fire Lt. Mike Foley (Ret.), “About 40 percent of all fi refi ghters working today will be diagnosed with cancer during their careers.” “Early detection of cancer greatly increases the chances for successful treatment and survival,” he added. America’s Funniest Firefi ghter New England Region Finals will be at Florian Hall in Dorchester (55 Hallet St.). Tables and single tickets are on sale now at Firefi ghtersvsCancer.org. **** The 2024 Fighters Vs Cancer Stand-Up Comedy Contestants are: Craig “Rock” Nicholas (Malden, Mass.): Craig is a 28-year fi refi ghting vet with the Malden Fire Department. His buddies at the department call him Rock, and when he isn’t on duty, he is spending time with his three kids and two granddaughters, who he says have him “wrapped around their little fi ngers.” Craig will be coached by Dan Crohn. Mark “Larry Legend” Lawrence (Freetown, Mass.): Mark represents the Freetown Fire Department. He describes himself as a perpetual force of chaotic good, gleefully serving the public at large for a safer, better, brighter and funnier tomorrow! Tony V will mentor Mark as he prepares his set. Robert “Bobby” Reardon (Yarmouth, Mass.): Bobby is a longtime member of the Yarmouth Fire and Rescue Department, cracking up his coworkers for the better part of 30 years. When he isn’t on the job, he enjoys spending time with his wife Brenda and his six grandchildren. Bobby will be working with comedian Jimmy Dunn. Jonathan Williams (Leominster, Mass.): A 12-year veteran of the Leominster Fire Department, Jon is married with four awesome sons. He is also an Six New England-based fi refi ghters are competing in the New England Finals of the America’s Funniest Firefi ghter competition. (Courtesy/Firefighters Vs. Cancer) MALDEN FD Logo Army vet and an avid outdoorsman. Jon will be working with Mark Riley. Tim Sevigney (Biddeford, Maine): Hailing from Biddeford, Maine, Tim is a 27-year fi refi ghter and paramedic. Tim will be paired up with Will Noonan. Chance Seymour (Springfi eld, Mass.): Chance is a 38-year-old firefighter working in Springfi eld. He is a father and loves to make people laugh. He will be coached by Damian Speranza, a fellow fi refi ghter with the Poquonnock Bridge Fire Department in Groton, Conn., who also performs stand-up across New England. **** A look back at 'Happy 85th Birthday, Bob!' Day! Like us on Facebook advocate newspaper Facebook.com/ Advocate.news.ma
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