Fall River Police Pull Off Big Win in Charity Challenge — And Raise Over $1,300 for a Great Cause

What they lacked in numbers, they more than made up for in grit.

The Fall River Police Department rolled into Mansfield this weekend with a goal — to raise money for the Massachusetts Special Olympics and maybe have a little fun doing it. But what happened on that pavement outside the Xfinity Center turned into something bigger: a heartwarming display of teamwork, community, and pure determination.

Despite being down three members going into the physical challenge, the FRPD team powered their way to a first-place finish in the “Top Dog Pull,” yanking a 35,000-pound fire truck down the course — and capturing the crowd’s hearts in the process.

Down But Not Out

Originally, the department didn’t plan on competing. But when an opportunity came up last minute to participate in the Fire Truck Pull charity event, they threw together a team in under 48 hours. There was just one problem — the challenge allows 12-person teams, and they had only nine.

Instead of backing out, the team improvised.

“We asked around, and one of our city employees jumped in, along with her two kids,” said one officer. “They didn’t hesitate. It was amazing.”

With that, the Fall River crew had a full squad. Not your average police unit — a few officers, a city worker, and two young teens — but enough heart and drive to take on a fire truck and win.

Pulling Together for a Cause

The challenge was simple on paper but intense in reality: pull a fully loaded, 35,000-pound ladder truck a set distance as fast as possible. Teams from across the region showed up, many of them bigger and more practiced. But Fall River’s team pulled with everything they had — and ended up clocking the fastest time.

On top of taking home the win, they also raised an impressive $1,330 for Special Olympics Massachusetts, placing them third in donations out of all the teams.

“It’s not about winning,” said Sergeant Andrew Crook, who helped organize the team. “It’s about showing up for our community, and supporting a cause that truly makes a difference in people’s lives. That said… winning was pretty great, too.”

A Win for the Whole Community

The event wasn’t just about strength — it was about spirit. All around the course, cheers echoed for teams made up of firefighters, EMTs, local businesses, and law enforcement — all coming together for one shared cause.

For the Fall River team, the day was more than a competition. It was a chance to show what community really looks like.

“There’s something special about seeing everyone come together like this,” said Officer Kyle Rebello. “You feel like you’re part of something bigger — and knowing it’s all to support the athletes of Special Olympics makes it even more powerful.”

Looking Ahead

Back in Fall River, the win has become a point of pride — not just for the police department, but for the whole city.

“We hope this inspires more people to get involved in charity events,” Crook said. “Whether it’s pulling a fire truck or volunteering for a local program, it’s the small things that build a stronger community.”

As for next year?

“We’ll be back,” said one officer, grinning. “And maybe we’ll have a full twelve next time — or maybe not. Seems like we do just fine with who we’ve got.”