New York City firefighters and cops ready for showdown in battle of the badges

Metro

by Stephen Jeremiah and David Propper

The Big Apple's Bravest and Finest are about to face off.

New York City Fire Department Ladder 9 Firefighter Danny Quinn and NYPD Sgt. Jesse Peterford of the 61st Precinct will go head-to-head and bang in the boxing ring Thursday for a long-awaited rematch in the Big Apple's first international badge contest.

The pair's match is one of more than a dozen that have taken place between FDNY personnel and other firefighters and law enforcement agencies around the world.

Quinn hopes to maintain his dominance against Peter Ford after winning a decision in a charity boxing match last year.

Both Civil Service players told the Post Monday during pre-fight weigh-ins that they are watching their diet, not drinking and training multiple days a week in hopes of tasting victory Thursday night. Told.

“I'm going to stick to my game plan. I'm not going to worry about what he's going to do…I think we'll see a similar result on Thursday,” Quinn offered some friendly trash talk after the measurement. did. At £179.

“I'm ready to do it,” added Quinn, whose fire department is in Manhattan. “I feel great and ready to put on a great show in the garden.”

Peter Ford, who weighs 176 pounds, said he has been training hard and working on some tweaks to improve his game.

“We hope that all goes well as a result of the efforts that have been made,” said Brooklyn Police Sgt.

In addition, more than a dozen Big Apple firefighters fought with other firefighters and police officers from as far away as the UK and Ireland, with proceeds going to Tunnel to Towers, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the memory of FDNY firefighter Stephen Schiller, who died in the 9/11 attacks. It will be donated to the Foundation.

It is expected to raise at least $50,000.

Firefighters said during the weigh-in at Mustang Harry's sports bar in midtown Manhattan that they were looking forward to competing in the world's most famous arena.

Peterford and Quinn said they had been running and sparring for several months prior to this week. And when they cut out fatty foods, they feel very sorry.

“I love food, so giving up all junk food is the hardest thing for me to do,” Peterford said. “I love everything: cheeseburgers, tacos, pizza, ice cream, brownies, cookies. You know, the list goes on.”

Neither had had a beer in the months leading up to the game, but they clinked a few glasses after the game. This shows that at the end of the day, they are both part of the same team serving New Yorkers.

After months without a beer, Peter Ford was asked when he would have another beer, to which he replied, “Thursday, as soon as the last bell rings.”

Filled with confidence, Quinn boldly said, “If you raise your hand, I'm looking forward to your first beer.”

Doors open for the Battle of the Badges at 7 p.m., with the first match scheduled for 7:30 p.m.