The community rallied in support of the Freeport Fire Department — while enjoying some quality laughs together — during the annual Patriot Hose Company No. 4 Comedy Night on Saturday.
The comedy night began at 8:30 p.m. at Freeport Fire Department headquarters at 15 Broadway in Freeport, raising thousands in funds for the local first responders.
The $30 per person admittance fee treated attendees to hilarious acts by a trio of professional comedians — Tom Kelly, Rich Walker and Paul Bond — who lobbed plenty of jokes at the expense of some of the firefighters and others among the roughly 170 people in attendance.
The three comedians have performed for various audiences, having done shows at comedy clubs across Long Island and New York City, big events like the Long Island Comedy Festival and evening performing on national television, as in the case of Kelly who has been on several ABC programs.
The comedy event was billed as both “bring your own booze” and “bring your own food,” as Kelly quipped, and the crowd enjoyed many of the hysterical jokes, which were told in good fun.
In addition to the comedy, attendees could participate in a raffle with a buy-in of $5 for various prizes, courtesy of the Freeport Fire Department and Freeport businesses. Some of the businesses helping to sponsor the raffle and event were Two Cousins Fish Market, Secret Thai Kitchen, Ensenada Bay, Atlantic Hardware and many more.
The comedy night has taken place nearly every year since 2016, except for two occasions due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The event’s organizers, Kevin Madigan, captain of Patriot Hose Company No. 4, and athletic trainer and volunteer firefighter Devon Taylor, expressed that the event has remained a meaningful staple for the fire department, because the funds raised help to offset the everyday expenses incurred by running the firehouse.
In addition, some of the funds are earmarked for different charities, such as the Nassau County Firefighters Museum and Education Center in Uniondale and the nonprofit New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation. About $6,000 is raised annually through the comedy fundraiser.
“We get a lot of local support,” Madigan said. “Pretty much everyone is here. You have the mayor here, the city council members, and so on and so forth.”
Madigan went on to describe the event as a time to give Freeport “a night of laughs and forget all your troubles,” amidst all the concerns and debate that can occur in and around the community.
Over the years, the fire department has been fortunate to draw stellar comedic talent to the annual comedy night event, thanks to the connection between a member of the Freeport Fire Department and Long Island comedian Chris Conti.
“We had a family member that was related to (Conti) that helped us years ago,” Taylor said. “Then he just got us within the network with comedians, so we rotate every year who we use.”
In addition to the comedy night, further donations are welcomed by the fire department, which is also always looking to increase its volunteer membership. Both causes are a tremendous help in the department’s efforts to protect and assist Freeport, according to Madigan and Taylor. Anyone over age 18 is invited to apply as a volunteer firefighter.
“I appreciate everyone being here and the support year over year,” Madigan said.
He added that the department also encourages residents to support the local businesses as well. “We have a lot of businesses that help with the raffles year over year, so we really appreciate their support as well,” he said.
