On Sunday, Nov. 14, members of the Cranston Fire and Police departments took to the court at the Cranston East gym for a charity basketball game.

The new name of the event, which is in its fifth year, is “Guns ‘n’ Hoses.” Last year’s event was skipped due to the pandemic.

The game was organized with the help of the nonprofit group Cranston Cares, which was founded to honor the late Sgt. Adam DeCiccio, a 2001 Cranston West graduate and U.S. Army veteran.

“Adam was talking with a few friends about utilizing his life experiences to make a living out of giving, and with that, the foundation was formed,” said Ed Brady, a close friend of DeCiccio. “A board of directors is being finalized but many community events have been produced by his friends and family in his honor since his passing in December 2020.”

Prior to the game, the Rollin’ Celtics, members of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association, did a free-throw exhibition. There was also a demonstration from the Cranston Cyclones, a Special Olympics Rhode Island basketball team.

The Cranston West Falconettes performed during the national anthem, and the Cranston West band provided music throughout the game. There were performances from Mastery Martial Arts and The Talent Factory at halftime, as well as another game from the Rollin’ Celtics.

At halftime, the Guns (police) were up 14-4 against the Hoses (fire). The police held onto their lead and ended up winning 38-16, taking home the Chief's Challenge trophy.

The close to 200 attendees helped raise over $5,000. The funds will benefit Beat the Odds Lifestyle youth sports league and Special Olympics Rhode Island.

“It was a great community event from the whole city,” said Cranston Cares board member Justin Erickson.

Brady was touched by all the support the event generated.

“It was truly inspiring seeing our Cranston community come together in support of two great organizations this holiday season,” he said. “We are truly thankful for all the sponsors, volunteers and to the Cranston Police and Fire for taking the time to raise awareness and for these truly special local causes. We are looking forward to watching this event grow for years to come.”

“The Cranston Police and Fire departments are two different public safety ‘teams’ with a very similar mission. We pride ourselves on different approaches to the same goal – keeping Cranston safe to live, learn, and work. To have the opportunity to renew the so-called rivalry between the two departments is just another way to show our commitment to the community through raising money for causes very dear to our hearts. It is something that both Departments have done for decades and will continue to do into the future,” Detective Michael Iacone said.

He added: “Bragging rights are nice, but a sustainable future for Special Olympics of Rhode Island and Beat The Odds Lifestyle is the true goal of this game. These are organizations that rely on the community at large and law enforcement and the fire service will always be partners that they can rely on. It was nice to beat the Fire Department for a fifth straight year! But the goal is truly to be an advocate in action for SORI and Beat The Odds Lifestyle.”

Cranston Cares is already busy planning its next community support events for the holidays.

The Hope for The Homeless Thanksgiving dinner will be held on Sunday, Nov. 21. They will be providing food, haircuts and clothing for those in need at their annual day of giving in conjunction with the Rhode Island Dream Center, at 330 Park Ave. in Cranston.

Additionally, the For the Kids Toy Drive will be held Tuesday, Nov. 30, at 6 p.m. at the Thirsty Beaver, 288 Atwood Ave.