~ Sounds of Malden ~

Veteran Malden first responder will compete in ‘America’s Funniest Firefighter’ New England Finals

By Steve Freker

At this point you could probably say Craig “Rock” Nicholas has pretty much done it all as a longtime Malden firefighter, responding to all kinds of calls, including active fire 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 firefighters – five from Mass. and one from Maine – who will be vying for the title of “America’s Funniest Firefighter” in the New England Region Finals. Six New England firefighters, including Malden’s Nicholas, have made it to the Finals, where they will battle it out to see who will be named the “funniest firefighter 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 Firefighter 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 Firefighter.” All of the money raised at the event will go to Firefighters Vs Cancer, a nonprofit corporation that provides free cancer screenings for firefighters.

The six firefighters, 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 firefighters with six experienced, professional comedians from New England. The professional stand-up comedians will mentor the firehouse favorites as they create a five-minute comedy set.

Firefighters Vs Cancer is a nonprofit organization dedicated to informing 1.2 Million North American firefighters about the life-saving necessity of cancer screenings and providing financial support to perform the much-needed screenings. The tests are key to early cancer detection and may cost firefighters $600.

According to Boston Fire Lt. Mike Foley (Ret.), “About 40 percent of all firefighters 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 Firefighter New England Region Finals will be at Florian Hall in Dorchester (55 Hallet St.). Tables and single tickets are on sale now at FirefightersvsCancer.org.

****

The 2024 Fighters Vs Cancer Stand-Up Comedy Contestants are:

Craig “Rock” Nicholas (Malden, Mass.): Craig is a 28-year firefighting 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 fingers.” 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 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 firefighter and paramedic. Tim will be paired up with Will Noonan.

Chance Seymour (Springfield, Mass.): Chance is a 38-year-old firefighter working in Springfield. He is a father and loves to make people laugh. He will be coached by Damian Speranza, a fellow firefighter 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!